Injured Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has expressed his frustration at watching his team struggle with their Premier League form.

The 28-year-old, who was ruled out for the rest of the season with ankle ligament damage in February, has had to watch his side slip down to 15th in the table.

"I wish I was able to play and help Villa get out of this situation," said Bent. "With me getting injured and Robbie (Keane) going back to LA Galaxy, we lost two strikers at the same time.

"When you see the lads going out to training and playing in matches, it gets difficult and you wish you could be out there helping them out.

"But I have kept my spirits high and hopefully I will be back before too long."

Villa next travel to Liverpool in the league on Saturday.