Nicky Shorey insists Aston Villa's recent fixture pile-up has not left the players exhausted.
Winning mentality is carrying Villa
Nicky Shorey insists Aston Villa's recent fixture pile-up has not left the players exhausted.
The demands of Premier League and Uefa Cup action could begin to take its toll as the season draws on, but for now it would appear that the thrill of winning is helping to bring tired legs to life.
England international Shorey is adamant that those who have featured regularly for Martin O'Neill's side this season are heading into every game full of confidence and not one of them is seeking a break.
Three consecutive victories both on a domestic level and in Europe, including a derby success over West Brom on Sunday, have ensured that Villa are riding high.
"Three away wins in a space of days is quite an achievement, especially when you think this last game was a big derby," Shorey told the
Birmingham Post.
"We have done well and we are glad to be through it but of course we have still got quite a few games left.
"When you are as confident as we are just now, I think you want to keep on playing games. For me personally I am more than happy the thicker and faster they come."
Atmosphere
Reflecting on the weekend victory over the Baggies, Shorey was delighted to have been handed the opportunity to experience a fierce local rivalry.
He added: "Playing in a big derby like that was great and to finish winners away from home, even better. The lads were a bit tired but could have played on and on.
"When you are winning like this you are buzzing and I think we all just can't wait to get the next game on.
"When I was at Reading the only real derby game was Oxford. I was really looking forward to the atmosphere at this one and, especially before the game, you could sense it was mounting.
"Both sets of fans were really good to be fair and it was great to play in a game with such a lot at stake for both teams."
