Darren Bent 'low' when Ashley Young and Stewart Downing left Aston Villa

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent today admitted he had "never felt so low" as when star duo Ashley Young and Stewart Downing quit the club in the summer.

However, the £24million club-record signing has moved to allay fans' fears he will be the next big name to leave Villa Park, as he targets reaching 100 Premier League goals in claret and blue colours.

Bent said: "I had never felt so low when Ashley Young and Stewart Downing went. They were two good friends and I have known Ashley a long time.

"In that respect, I was sad. But on the pitch, I wasn't down. He is a fantastic player but you've got to move on."