Wigan Athletic defender Stephen Warnock has praised former club Aston Villa, saying that the Midlands side should be challenging in the top half of the Premier League.

The 34-year-old had four years with the Villans before departing for Leeds United in 2013 and is due to come up against his old side - now in the Championship - for the first time when the Latics visit Villa Park on Saturday.

"This will be my first time back there so I'm really looking forward to it, it's always a big occasion when Villa are at home and we need to be up for it," he told the Wigan website. "My memories are really good ones in the main.

"When you look at the size of the club, then they really should be up there challenging in the top half of the Premier League, but as we know football doesn't give you anything unless you earn it and the club has been through a difficult period.

"Sooner or later it will be back up there I'm sure. I'm sure there will be some familiar faces in and around the stadium, and I'll be pleased to see them. But we come with a job to do and that's what the focus will be on the day."

Villa are currently 15th in the Championship table, while Wigan sit 23rd and two points from safety.