Marlon Harewood has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Aston Villa.
Striker has no desire to leave Villa
Marlon Harewood has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Aston Villa.
The former Nottingham Forest striker is believed to be attracting interest from Premier League new boys Stoke, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.
However, despite being primarily deployed off the bench by Martin O'Neill during his first season in the Midlands, he is determined to repay the faith shown in him by the Villa Park faithful.
He has become something of a cult figure among the supporters and, with two years still to run on his current contract, has reiterated his desire to be a success at the Birmingham-based club.
Opportunities
"There's a lot more to come from this squad and hopefully a lot more to come from me. I want to play my part," Harewood said.
"I'm looking forward to my second season here and hopefully I can show more of what I can do - and hopefully I'll get the chance to shine.
"The fans saw what I could do in the second half of last season and I just want to get out there and show my stuff again next season. I cannot wait for pre-season to start."
Harewood's reluctance to leave Villa is partially down to the club's continued development into an established top-six Premier League side.
Having clinched sixth spot in the table last season the club are set to embark on a European campaign in 2008/09, beginning with the Intertoto Cup in July.
Achievement
Harewood is determined to be involved in these exciting times for the club and will be doing all he can to ensure that the Villans book their place in the Uefa Cup.
"We're just one step away from the Uefa Cup and we don't want to throw that chance away," he said.
"When I came to the club, all the players were talking about getting into Europe and we did that.
"I know we didn't get the automatic Uefa Cup spot but we finished sixth to qualify for the Intertoto and that was a great achievement.
"As soon as I came to Villa I could tell everyone here was hungry for success and last season is just the start."
