Lichaj ready to face his grilling from the Blues

Eric Lichaj is ready to 'steak' a claim to replace Alan Hutton in Villa's starting line-up against Chelsea tomorrow – after boasting about his ability to cook one.

Hutton has been ruled out of the match with a calf injury which will keep him on the sidelines for the next couple of weeks and Lichaj is poised to replace him for the clash with the west London club.

And if the 23-year-old American is as confident on the pitch as he is in the kitchen, then he should have no trouble keeping Juan Mata and Co. quiet.

"My older brother can cook a really good steak so I picked up a few things from him, like seasoning," he said. "In fact I reckon I can make the best steak in the Premier League.

"I might not be the best chef, but I know my steaks are truly first-class. Also I get the grill out and make some hamburgers and hot dogs as well. I'm pretty good in the kitchen.

"A while back I did a Thanksgiving meal for a few of the guys as well. It helps to have the occasional taste of home.

"I would sometimes invite people over and they join for a meal if they want or whatever. It's nice to chat and socialise with some of the guys outside of football sometimes."

Although Lichaj was born and raised in the US, both of his parents are Polish and he comes from a tight-knit family which meant it was difficult for him when he switched to the Premier League.

Fortunately, Lichaj's skills as a chef helped him to integrate quickly with his fellow youngsters at Villa after moving from MLS outfit Chicago Fire in 2008.

"When I first got here it was tough because I was injured initially, but I was made to feel really welcome and quickly became mates with all the guys," explained the defender.

"There are a lot of us who have come through together. Maybe 10 of us or so who played through.I feel part of that group.

"Everyone knows how each other plays and we all work hard. It's good to have that togetherness and we are all good mates, which helps the banter.

"It also means it is less intimidating when a player breaks into the side if you are a younger guy in the first team and some of your mates are already in the side."

Lichaj was handed his Premier League debut against Albion by Gerard Houllier last season, but after a brief run in the side was sent on loan to Championship outfit Leeds United to further his development.

The American's involvement this season has been restricted by a hip operation which kept him on the sidelines for four months, but he is now champing at the bit to play a part in the end of season run-in.

In particular, he is eager for a series of games at club level to help reignite his international career and fulfil his dream of playing at a World Cup.

Lichaj has won eight caps since making his debut against Colombia in October 2012, with his most recent appearance against Mexico in the Gold Cup last summer.

"There's a game against Scotland in the summer but I'm not sure if I'll get picked for that because I haven't played enough competitive matches for Villa so far," added Lichaj.

"My long-term ambitions are to establish myself in the national team. I look at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as the goal. It is my dream to play at a major tournament and all my family can fly out there to watch me as well."