Jenas targets permanent Villa switch

Jermaine Jenas believes that he is worthy of a permanent deal at Aston Villa despite suffering an array of injuries since joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

While the 28-year-old has failed to feature regularly for the Midlands side due to thigh and Achilles injuries, Jenas is confident that Alex McLeish wants him to stay at Villa Park.

"It's been very frustrating but I hope the manger's seen enough of me in training to see that I think he wants me in his side," Jenas told Sky Sports News. "Hopefully if I can get a few games under my belt now we'll probably be talking again at the end of the season.

The former Newcastle United midfielder believes that he can break his way into the England squad in time for the European Championships next year.

"I'm still confident that if I can score a few goals that I'll give Mr Capello a bit of a problem come the end of the season."

Jenas came off the bench to make his debut for Villa during the side's 3-2 victory over Norwich City earlier this month.