Mellberg happy to delay talks

Olof Mellberg is content to wait over contract talks whilst he concentrates on playing.

The Swedish international is out of contract at the end of next term and the club are keen to open talks regarding a new deal.

Whilst Mellberg is looking to stay with Martin O'Neill's side, the former Racing Santander defender is in no rush to talk terms.

"I'm not too worried about my contract just yet. I've just been focusing on games, not just for Villa, but for the national team," Mellberg told the club's official website.

"It's important to concentrate on my performances. I'm enjoying my football as much as ever here and it was good to hear the manager talk about the possibility of a new deal.

"There is a good team spirit here and a feeling that the club is moving in the right direction.

"I'm enjoying being a part of that and I want to help the team finish the season strongly."

Villa's recent run of two wins in four games has failed to paper over the cracks of a previous run of form that saw them go 12 games without a victory.

Now Mellberg has called on his team-mates to drag the Midlands club as high up the table as possible in what remains of the campaign.

"Performances are important, but at this time of the year you want the points - no matter how you get them," Mellberg added.

"We've had a good break now and we have no excuses. We have to turn our performances into results and we need more points from away games."