Jlloyd Samuel has told Charlton's boo-boys that their jeers will only drive him on when the two sides clash at Villa Park on Wednesday. The 24-year-old defender has taken some fearful stick from the Addicks' supporters after leaving them as a teenage prodigy to link up with Villa. Every time Samuel sets foot in the Valley he is greeted with a chorus of boos, as the Charlton fans refuse to forgive him for his move north. But Samuel had the last laugh last season, as he scored a goal in both of the fixtures, which Villa won 2-1. The second meeting – just over 12 months ago – was possibly Samuel's finest day in soccer, as he was called into Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad to play in a friendly fixture in Sweden. However, Charlton gained a measure of revenge this season as Villa slumped to a three-goal defeat at The Valley, but Villa still have plenty to play for. Their amazing comeback at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday saw them win 3-2 and keep their UEFA Cup dream alive. They have home games against Charlton and Bolton to come this week and O'Leary will want a maximum haul of points to crank up the pressure on the teams above them. But, as Samuel told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, he is expecting a hot reception from the travelling Charlton fans on Wednesday.
Q:ARE YOU EXPECTING SOME STICK OFF THE CHARLTON FANS ON WEDNESDAY?
A:If they want to boo me then that is fine. They can do it as much as they want, as it will only fire me up even more – that is the way I use criticism. I turn it into a positive. It was very nice to score against them and it was quite weird in a way because a lot of players who go back to their former clubs seem to score – it is strange.
Q:IT WAS QUITE A WEEKEND FOR YOU WASN'T IT?
A:It was a very special time for me at the Valley this time last year because I scored, got the call-up to the England squad and celebrated my birthday as well! My mum, Caron, came over from America to watch the game as well, so that was probably the best birthday I've ever had.
Q:HOW HAS YOUR OWN FORM BEEN THIS SEASON?
A:My own form hasn't been too bad even though last season was better for me. I have struggled with injuries and played through them, which obviously hasn’t helped my form, as I can’t do things that I would normally do. At the same time I didn’t want to rule myself out of games. Some people might look at me and think 'he's not doing it this week' but I want to play all the time and I am willing to play with injuries. When the pressure is on it is an easy option to say that you are injured and miss a couple of games. But I prefer to face up to the pressure and continue to improve.
Q:DO YOU THINK THAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE FORGET HOW OLD YOU ARE?
A:People think that I should be doing this and that on a regular basis because I have been at Villa for a long time, but I only turned 24 in March. Sometimes people can forget you are still at a young age and learning the game. Football goes up and down and it's a learning experience. I haven't grabbed the headlines as much this season but that is football.
Q:WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAINING WITH ENGLAND LIKE LAST SEASON?
A:It was a great experience to be involved with the squad and one you have had a taste, you obviously want more. I know what it is all about now and hopefully, if my form keeps improving, then who knows? I have set my sights on playing for England at some stage in the future.
Q:DAVID O'LEARY HAS PROMISED TO BRING IN FRESH FACES IN THE SUMMER – ARE YOU RELISHING THE COMPETITION?
A:If the gaffer brings in a few players in the close season it will be good as, when you are at a big club, you expect competition for places. You have got to expect that at Villa, as we want to be pushing for a place in Europe. However, you have to believe in your own ability and that you will keep your place in the side.
