Giant striker Crouch keeps his head up

Aston Villa striker Peter Crouch has vowed “not to sulk” after losing his place to Juan Pablo Angel in Saturday’s Premiership clash with Leeds.

Crouch had ended a 20-month drought without a top-flight goal in Villa’s previous match with Leicester, striking twice in a 5-0 win.

He found himself back on the substitutes’ bench against Eddie Gray’s side as leading scorer Angel made an instant return to the starting line-up after shaking off a leg injury.

But Crouch, signed from Portsmouth two years ago, is determined to remain upbeat despite his disappointment at being axed.

And he revealed that the support of the Villa fans during the 2-0 success at the weekend had lifted his spirits.

Crouch said: “I was disappointed, because I thought I did ok in the previous matches – but I cannot say I am surprised.

“It was one of those things. Juan Pablo has been playing well all season and Darius Vassell had a good game against Leicester. I knew the day before the Leeds game what was happening.

“But Juan Pablo has done well so you accept that and knowing that the fans were behind me helped to ease the way I felt.

“When I came on to the pitch, the crowd gave me such a welcome. It felt great to know they are on my side. They were magnificent and one of the reasons why I am confident at the moment.”

Crouch added: “All teams need more than two strikers and we are no different. I just hope I have started to play my way into the gaffer’s plans.

“I have to keep my head down. I certainly will not be sulking or anything. I just have to work hard and make sure, when I get another chance, I take it.”