Curtis Davies admits his recent performances have been driven on by the fear of being labelled a flop.
Defender puts his pub days behind him
Aston Villa's Curtis Davies admits that his recent performances have been driven on by the fear of being labelled a flop.
The defender claimed he played like "a pub player" after making his debut against Leicester in the League Cup back in September, but his recent performances have been a lot more professional.
Davies scored against Wigan on his first start for the club and has now formed a successful partnership with Martin Laursen which has helped Villa win their last three Premier League games.
Davies is on loan for the season from West Brom with Villa having the option of making the deal permanent during the summer.
With that in mind the defender is hoping that he can build on his current form and establish himself within the club.
Harshest critic
"I believed in everything I said at the time of the Leicester game (about a pub player performance), and I also believe in myself when I do well," he said.
"I am my harshest critic. If you believe you have done well when you haven't, then you are never going to improve as a footballer.
"That's the way I've always been and that is what my dad taught me.
"What happened against Leicester was a driving force which has been pushing me on rather than it being a hindrance.
Comfort zone
"I knew that when I got my chance again I was going to have to take it because if I had another bad game, that could be it for me.
"I was confident when I played again that I would do well and scoring against Wigan and the team winning made up for the Leicester game.
"I've got in the side and I've done okay and I am hoping to stay there. But, with someone like Zat Knight pushing to get back in, you are never in a comfort zone."
