Samuel eyes future away from Villa

Jlloyd Samuel admits he may have to follow Darius Vassell’s example by leaving Aston Villa to re-ignite his career.

Defender Samuel saw his close friend Vassell leave Villa to join Manchester City last summer after a decade at the club, since when he has recaptured his best form alongside Andy Cole at Eastlands.

Former England Under-21 player Samuel has made more than 130 Premiership appearances for Villa since being given his chance by John Gregory five years ago.

But he has been largely frozen out of the first team this season, although an injury to Wilfred Bouma and suspension to Gareth Barry meant he was included against West Ham on Saturday – and set up Lee Hendrie’s goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Samuel said: “I want to play football and, if that means going somewhere else, so be it. I was the established left-back here and made a series of consecutive appearances.

“My record shows that I am established Premiership player no matter whether people have good or bad thoughts about me.

“I’ve been here a long time. In a similar way to Darius, maybe there is a case for now saying I’ve been too long at Aston Villa.

“I still keep in touch with Darius and he seems to have perked up now that he is at Manchester City. He is doing well.”

Samuel admitted: “With myself, everyone knows it’s got to the stage where it’s only a matter of time before something happens.

“I want football week in and week out and that might have to happen elsewhere now. Whether it’s this month or in the summer, it will happen.

“I am still at Villa and am contracted for this season and next season at the moment, but I will listen to whatever interest comes along.”