Zat Knight

Aston Villa defender Zat Knight is hoping to seize his chance after fellow defender Curtis Davies was ruled out for several months with a ruptured Achilles.

Knight lost his place to Davies in late December but is now set to be recalled to the starting line-up for next weeks's Premier League clash against Middlesbrough after coming on in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

The 27-year-old has sympathy for his injured team-mate but is looking forward to playing regularly for the rest of the season.

Knight said: "I feel for Curtis as I would for anyone on my side suffering an injury like that. I wish him a speedy recovery.

"I have missed nine games since I went out of the side with the suspension and obviously that has been frustrating because I am used to playing week-in and week-out.

"But I understand the circumstances because Martin Laursen has been doing well, as has Curtis.

"Now the goal for me now is to get a starting place against Middlesbrough in nine days' time and I think I put in a good enough performance at Arsenal.

"But I cannot take anything for granted. I have to continue to put in 110 per cent in training."