Nicky Shorey is determined to keep Steven Warnock out of the Aston Villa side.

Martin O’Neill’s club have splashed out a reported £7million on Warnock who will compete with Shorey for the left-back slot, a fight which the latter is relishing.

"It is a challenge," Shorey said. "A club like Villa are going to be signing players all the time in your position. You've just got to get on with it, do your best and hopefully you will get a game.

“I am up for the challenge, I want to play football. That is my main aim and, if someone gets in the way, you've got to make sure you are playing better than them. That's all you can do.”