Aston Villa's Moustapha Salifou admits he is looking forward to giving Martin O'Neill a selection headache at Villa Park.
Togo international loving life at Villa Park
Aston Villa's Moustapha Salifou admits he is looking forward to giving Martin O'Neill a selection headache at Villa Park.
The talented Togo international was signed by the Villa boss on transfer deadline day but only linked up with his new team-mates last week after having work permit problems.
Now the midfielder says he intends to work hard and force his way into O'Neill's first-team squad.
Salifou told the club's official website: "I have arrived a little into the season and I need time to catch up. But I cannot wait to integrate myself into the group so I can help us progress as soon as possible.
Accepted
"There's a lot of quality here at Villa. The players have accepted me into the club and that has been important to me.
"It's not easy coming from another country, but the welcome I have had from everyone at the club has been wonderful.
"Obviously, I can't put any timescale on this. I cannot say whether I will be ready for the first team this month or next month.
"The important thing for me is that I'm going to work as hard as I can to get into the first team as soon as possible."
The midfielder impressed on his debut for the reserves on Monday as Villa hammered Chelsea 6-0.
Tempo
He added: "I know it wasn't a Premier League game, but it was good to play a game for the reserves. The tempo was good and the game was very lively.
"Villa Park is an impressive stadium. I played in large stadiums in the World Cup and playing at Villa Park reminded me of those big games. Now I want to play when the stadium is full for a Premier League match.
"I have been very impressed by the manager and by the coaches. Now I would like to repay the warm welcome I've had by performing well for Aston Villa."
