Brad Guzan has said that "big characters" are needed for Aston Villa as the team tries to end a run of seven Premier League matches without a win.
Paul Lambert's side stopped a six-match losing run with a goalless draw with West Ham United before the international break, which left them 16th in the table.
The American goalkeeper told the Sutton Coldfield Observer: "For us, the point at West Ham was massive. Every team from top to bottom, they go through tough spells. It's how you come out of those tough spells which speaks volumes as a group.
"I think whether you lose six games on the bounce or one game, there's always a feeling of disappointment. Being a professional you never want to lose. You're fighting and scrapping in training not to lose a five-a-side game. Guys didn't get to a professional level by accepting losing.
"When you lose six on the bounce, it's extremely frustrating," he adds. "But that's when you need big characters and guys to step up and say, 'right okay, I'm going to do anything in my power to get things right'."
Villa face second-placed Southampton in the top flight tomorrow evening.
Sian Cowper
