By Ryan Ghee
September 8 2005

Patrik Berger has revealed his ambition to earn a starting place in David O'Leary's line-up this season - starting with Monday's game against West Ham. The Czech international, who signed for The Villans on a free transfer this summer, has endured a frustrating start to his Villa career. After playing well in many of the pre-season matches, Patrik Berger sustained a thigh injury and has since only made one substitute appearance so far this term.

However, Berger has played two games for the reserve team during the international break as he completed the full 90 minutes against both Birmingham and Wigan reserves.

Speaking to Aston Villa's official website, Berger said, "The pre-season went well and I did the same as everyone else. But a few days before the start of the season, I suffered an injury. It wasn't serious but I couldn't play so I had to wait for a few weeks before I could play again. I played the last 20-25 minutes against Blackburn which was a great feeling.

"I played last Tuesday against Birmingham reserves, and again this Tuesday against Wigan. I'm only now getting towards being 100 per cent physically fit because I hadn't done anything for over three weeks before the break.

"I never actually played 90 minutes in pre-season, so the reserve game against the Blues was my first full game in a few months. So I need to work hard in training and play a few games and then I should be fit for the West Ham game."

Turning his attention to his fellow countryman Milan Baros, Berger added, "I think everyone saw what we can expect of Milan Baros in his first game. He's young but he has a long and great career ahead of him...He's got everything to become one of the best strikers in England and in Europe as well."