The Austrian striker was one of very few bright spots for Villans fans last season and popped up with two goals which helped the Midlands club stave off relegation
Aston Villa's young striker Andreas Weimann is hoping new boss Paul Lambert will give him an opportunity to impress, rather than seeking more experienced options in the transfer market.The 20-year-old Austrian was promoted to the first-team by Alex McLeish last season and repaid the Scotsman by popping up with vital goals against Fulham and Stoke City to secure four points alone as Villa narrowly avoided the drop.
Weimann, though, is hoping that Lambert will adopt a similar policy to McLeish and give youngsters a chance in the Premier League rather than move for other options.
"Hopefully I get another opportunity to show what I can show and get a few more chances in the team," he told reporters.
"Last season we had loads of young players come through. I think seven players who had come through the academy started one game, which is good for the young players because they can see there is a chance there for them."
Weimann's debut came due to a host of injuries that depleted McLeish of a fully fit squad, meaning he was left with little alternative but to give players like Weimann a shot.
Rumours have linked Lambert with a move for his former Norwich striker Grant Holt, but Weimann is hoping that he will have an opportunity in pre-season to showcase his talent.
"It's a fresh start for everyone and I can't wait to get going," Weimann added.
"I started playing in the first team last season and got a taste for it. And I want to get more of it. Hopefully I can impress the gaffer in pre-season and get a few chances to play next season.
"But it's a clean slate for everyone. When we come back for pre-season, you know everyone's going to be giving 100% to show the manager what we can do."
Weimann is still on the road to recovery after damaging his knee ligaments after a strange tangle with former Villa keeper Brad Friedel during a 1-1 draw with Tottenham towards the end of the season.
The confident Austrian is convinced he will win his fitness battle to play some part in the season opener away at West Ham on 18 August.
"It's not too bad," he said. "I had four weeks off because I had the brace on.
"Now I'm getting back into it and building up my fitness. They said it would be eight weeks which would take it to a week before the start of pre-season so if everything goes well, hopefully I should be fit.
"I started training last Monday and, at the moment, it's just been bike work and swimming, which is a great way to get your muscles working again. I'll probably know more when I start running."
Whilst he recovers, Weimann is casting a keen eye on Euro 2012, and confesses that he is enjoying watching each Fernando Torres performance at the Championship as he idolises the Spaniard.
"I've been watching it every day and I like to see Fernando Torres," he said.
"I've kept a close eye on him and he's scored two goals so far. I watch him whenever he plays. If I could get half the career he had at Liverpool, I'd be happy."
