Stephen Warnock lifts lid at Aston Villa

Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock today lifted the lid on his frustration last season when he was frozen out of the first-team squad by former boss Gerard Houllier.

Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock today lifted the lid on the frustration he endured last season when he was frozen out of the first-team squad by former boss Gerard Houllier.

The 29-year-old was England's second-choice left-back at the 2010 World Cup but was forced to spend the majority of last term training with the reserves.

And Warnock admitted he feels a debt of gratitude to reserve team coach Kevin MacDonald for his support.

He said: "It was very difficult but I was lucky to have Kevin with me when I was training with the reserves. He kept me on top of my game and told me to keep fit and make sure my head was right.

"It was good at times because I was helping to develop the young lads and passing on a bit of knowledge to them. But it was also frustrating and I never want it to happen again."

[24link]