Berger keen to earn new deal

Patrik Berger has revealed he is keen to convince Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill he deserves a new contract after nearly 12 months of injury frustration during which time he considered quitting the game.

The former Liverpool and Portsmouth midfielder is in the final season of a two-year deal and is back challenging for a first team spot after lengthy knee and calf problems.

Berger knows he is in no position to demand a new deal but remains confident in his ability to make an impact under O’Neill during the next eight months.

The 32-year-old said: “My contract is not the most important thing right now. I just want to train every day and play and hopefully everything else will follow.

“But, if I could get another contract, I would want to stay. I know I can still do the job and I know I am lucky to be able to carry on playing after the injuries I’ve had.

“Now I have to show the manager that I’m healthy. Then it is up to him whether he wants to keep me or not. But we’ve had a good talk and things are good between us.

Berger admitted: “There was a point last season when I nearly hung up my boots especially when I came back from one injury and picked up another two weeks later. At my age it’s difficult to keep going.

“But I’m appreciating every single day that I am able to come and train. At my age, it depends how the player feels – and I feel great.”

Meanwhile, Villa striker Luke Moore will undergo surgery tomorrow in the United States on the long-term shoulder problem he aggravated in last weekend’s draw at Chelsea.

If all goes to plan, the 20-year-old is expected to return to action in the New Year after O’Neill expressed initial fears he would be sidelined for the remainder of the season.