Steve Sidwell Has More To Show Aston Villa - Nicky Shorey

Nicky Shorey has told Aston Villa fans that they are yet to see the best of his colleague at the club Steve Sidwell.

The central midfielder has recently been linked with a move to Fulham despite spending just one season at Villa Park.

Sidwell, a former Chelsea and Reading man, joined Villa for around £5 million last summer but endured a frustrating season, making just 16 appearances in the league but clocking up three goals and two assists.

With Gareth Barry's departure to Manchester City, Sidwell may get the chance to step up and team-mate Shorey believes he is more than capable.

"I don't think we have seen the best of him yet. Last season was a strange one for Siddy, he was out injured for long periods and picked up niggles here and there. I don't think he's ever had that before." Shorey told the club's official website.

"For as long as I've known him he's never really been injured, so I think that was something new for him. Hopefully he will have a good pre-season and then we'll see the best of him and I think everyone will be impressed with how well he can do."

The Villa left-back was also team-mates with Sidwell at Reading when they broke numerous Championship records on their way to the Premier League, before enjoying a good first season in the top flight as the Royals managed an eighth-placed-finish.

Shorey believes Sidwell's versatility will be the key to his, and Villa's success, concluding, "Siddy just keeps on going. He'll be fine. There's no worries on that count. He can play in a three or a two - that's what he's done in the past. He's an all round good midfielder and I'm sure he'll show that before too long."

David Kifford, Goal.com