Boulding: I'm not leaving Villa

Michael Boulding is refusing to write off his Aston Villa career despite being loaned out to Sheffield United.

He was signed by Graham Taylor from Grimsby Town in the summer, but has failed to make an appearance in the Premiership.

It is understood Boulding could eventually switch to Bramall Lane on a permanent basis - but the player does not see it that way.

Boulding insisted: "My departure from Villa is not inevitable, no. I will not give up on my ambition to play in the Premiership with the club.

"The last time I played for Villa (against FC Zurich in the Intertoto Cup) in a competitive match, I scored in a 3-0 victory at Villa Park.

"I need games and the move to Sheffield gives me that, but while there is still a chance for me to make it at Villa, I will never give up hope. I feel I am good enough for the Premiership."

Meanwhile, Ian Taylor could be poised to start on the comeback trail in next Wednesday's reserve team clash with Birmingham City.

He has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury in the Intertoto Cup encounter with Lille.