Staunton ‘hurt’ by Villa axing

ASTON Villa skipper Steve Staunton has revealed the ‘‘hurt’’ he felt at being dropped by manager Graham Taylor for the recent derby clash with West Brom at The Hawthorns.

The former Republic of Ireland international was left out of Villa’s Premiership line-up for the first time in nearly a year with Taylor instead preferring Ronny Johnsen to partner Olof Mellberg.

Taylor had described it as ‘‘the hardest decision I’ve made since coming back to Villa’’ but that was no consolation to Staunton, who returned to the side for Saturday’s 4-1 win over West Ham.

He said: ‘‘I was given an excuse and was very annoyed. I wasn’t happy at all. The manager had a gut instinct that he needed to play Ronny and Olof and he’s entitled to do whatever he wants.

‘‘I was very hurt. We’ve got the third-best defensive record in the league and I felt myself and Olof were forming a good partnership and understanding.

‘‘I’d played every game since the start of the season apart from FC Zurich in the Intertoto Cup and if I wasn’t angry then I’d have to question myself.

‘‘And if I was a manager and my players were quite happy to be left out, I’d be more annoyed at that. I’ve let him know my feelings and it’s done and dusted now. There’s not a problem.’’

Staunton is now looking to Villa to kick start their season into motion after the win over the Hammers extended their unbeaten run to six matches.

He said: ‘‘We are coming into a vital period now and, considering where we are in the table, what we have to do is string two or three wins together.

‘‘I don’t think you can question the work-rate or desire of the lads. We’ve been unlucky in certain games but you can’t blame that. You make your own luck. We just need someone sticking the ball in the net on a regular basis.’’