Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's big match preview

RICCARDO Scimeca aims to improve Aston Villa's title chances and put more relegation pressure on Blackburn Rovers, simply by doing what comes naturally when the two sides clash tomorrow.

The loss of central defender Ugo Ehiogu would seriously disrupt most Premiership defences, as the Villa star - victim of a fractured eye socket - had been in outstanding form this season.

But it could be the making of Scimeca.

An England recall had not been out of the question for Ehiogu but the former under-21 captain, who was desperate to add to his only full cap against China, now has to put his ambitions on ice.

As one door closes, however, another one opens and Scimeca aims to cash in on Ehiogu's unfortunate injury which he picked up at Newcastle last Saturday.

Scimeca, who has been used as a utility player by Villa boss John Gregory all season, moved back from midfield against the Magpies to deputise in defence and looked quite at home.

So much so that he is likely to line up in a back three alongside Gareth Southgate and teenage sensation Gareth Barry against Rovers.

The switch at Newcastle went as smoothly as Scimeca might have expected. For he believes he is best at the back and said: "I really enjoyed it, I regard that as my natural position. "I have played there for the last four or five years, including games for England under-21 and England B.

"If the manager asks me to play in either position (midfield or defence) I am not going to argue.

"But I prefer to be at the back.

"It's unfortunate that Ugo should be injured and it's a terrible blow to the team.

"But I hope I get a chance to show what I can do in that position."

Scimeca has hardly had an opportunity to press his claims for a defensive role following Barry's emergence and the solid performances Villa have turned in to underline their championship challenge.

He played there in the opening game but, when Dwight Yorke was transferred to Manchester United, had to fill in as an emergency striker.

The defence did so well in his absence, there was no way back into his favourite slot and his disenchantment even led to a transfer request when he lost his place.

He has made the occasional appearance at the back, including the Boxing Day game between the clubs at Ewood when he scored for the visitors.

But, in recent matches, he has had to occupy a midfield role through Villa's injury problems.

The fact that he was a regular in the side, however, meant that thoughts of leaving were no longer on the scene.

"It is something I don't even think about now. I just want to get on with playing," he said.

"I love Villa and I just want to play for the club."

And, while Ehiogu's season has had to be put on hold, Scimeca's could finally be about to take off, providing he does the business in the position he believes suits him best.

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