Samuel set for Villa exit

Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel admits he will have to leave the club if he is to get his career back on track.

Samuel, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has not started a game for Martin O'Neill's side since August and insists he must now take matters into his own hands to rescue his career.

He said: "There was a lot of interest in January and I could have gone places but I didn't choose to do that because I wanted to see what would happen at Villa - nothing has changed though so I have to change things myself."

The 25-year-old added: "I have been here 10 years and out of those I would say I have had eight good years, but recently I have not had as good a time as I would have liked. If my career is to get back on track I have to leave here and that is what I intend to do."

Villa boss O'Neill opted to start with Samuel for the opening two games of the season, the 1-1 draw with Arsenal and 2-1 win over Reading.

But despite his side having won just two of their last 19 games, the Irishman has continually overlooked a player with more than 150 Villa appearances to his name.

"I have made the odd appearance and been sub but l don't believe I have had many chances this year," Samuel added.

"The manager has pretty much stayed with the same team for a while and I don't want to be playing reserve-team football because I feel I am definitely better than that.

"This season has been a write-off. I have kept my head down, I have not complained and have done what I have been told but it has come to that time when enough is enough.

"I have been frustrated for a while and you get low because you feel like you don't know where you are going. But I believe I can do a job in the Premiership and hopefully something will come up."