Kiraly ready for challenge

Gabor Kiraly is ready for a "big challenge" following his loan switch to Aston Villa.

Hungary keeper Gabor Kiraly has revealed he is ready for a "big challenge" after securing his loan switch to Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old played in The Premiership with Crystal Palace in the 2004/05 season under Iain Dowie, but is now struggling to get games for The Eagles in The Championship, finding himself behind Scott Flinders and Iain Turner in current boss Peter Taylor's plans.

But, following injuries to Villa keepers Thomas Sorensen and Stuart Taylor, Martin O'Neill has brought the former Hertha Berlin shot-stopper in as cover, giving him a fresh chance to make the grade in the top flight.

"My contract at Palace finishes in the summer and every player wants to play at the top level," he said.

"I want to do so again. Of course, I am happy when I am given a big challenge.

"I have played 13 years as a professional and I have almost 550 games in total, including with the national team, in the Champions League, the Uefa Cup - everything.

"If possible, I want to play in The Premier League again. If not, it is a big challenge in The Championship and to try to get promotion.

"But this is a good chance for me. People will know me - my mistakes, my saves.

"Now I am looking forward to my Aston Villa debut and want to try to help them pick up a few wins."