Aston Villa striker Andreas Weimann has insisted that he will fight for a striking role in Paul Lambert's first team next season.
Weimann, 20, scored two goals in 15 appearances for the club last season, and it has been suggested that Lambert is in the market for a new striker.
However, the Austrian has admitted that he 'hopes' to be given a chance to shine in the new campaign.
"There's myself Gabby, Darren and Nathan now that Emile [Heskey] has gone. I think for myself it doesn't really matter if a new boy comes in because I've still got to be at my best in pre-season to show the gaffer what I can do," Weimann told the Birmingham Mail.
"If he thinks I'm good enough to play then I'll play. Obviously, if a new striker comes in it is good for the competition, but for myself I've got to be more concerned about showing the gaffer what I can do myself.
"If I impress I'll play, if I don't I won't. Everyone starts with a clean slate because it's a new manager and if I do well in training I'm sure I'll get my chances. I got the taste for it last season, I want to hopefully get a few chances next season by showing the new gaffer in pre-season what I can do."
Weimann joined Villa from Rapid Vienna in 2007.
Matt Law
