Aston Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi believes that he will be given the opportunity to play more matches at the club this season.

El Ahmadi saw his first year in the Premier League disrupted by injuries and international duty, but the Morocco international has insisted that he has enjoyed a better preparation to the new campaign.

The 28-year-old told the Birmingham Mail: "I've got an opportunity now to play more games than I did last year. I always try my best for the team and also to prove myself because I came here to win games and be very important for the team.

"I had a good pre-season. Last year I had a hard time. I went to the African Nations Cup and came back and had a few injuries. I was struggling a little bit.

"It was my first year in the Premier League and I needed to feel at home, but I feel very good now and I feel fit – that is the most important thing."

El Ahmadi made 24 appearances in the Premier League last season.