Samuel looks to make Villa exit

Samuel has made 199 appearances for Villa

Aston Villa left-back Jlloyd Samuel feels he will have to leave the club to get his career back on track.

The 25-year-old won an England call-up in March 2004 but has not started a game for Villa since August 2006.

Samuel is out of contract at the end of the season and said: "There was a lot of interest in January and I could have gone elsewhere.

"I wanted to see what would happen here but nothing has changed so I have to change things myself."

I have kept my head down, I have not complained and have done what I have been told but it has come to that time when enough is enough Jlloyd Samuel

Holland international Wilfred Bouma has been first-choice under Villa boss Martin O'Neill for most of this season.

Trinidad-born Samuel played the first two games of the campaign but has been restricted to substitute appearances since returning from a thigh injury.

"I have been here 10 years and out of those I would say I have had eight good years, but recently I have not had as good a time as I would have liked," Samuel said.

"If my career is to get back on track I have to leave here and that is what I intend to do."

Samuel has played 199 games for Villa since making his debut in 1999 - and is confident he can find another club in the top flight.

"I have made the odd appearance and been sub but l don't believe I have had many chances this year," Samuel added.

"The manager has pretty much stayed with the same team for a while and I don't want to be playing reserve-team football because I feel I am definitely better than that.

"This season has been a write-off.

"I have kept my head down, I have not complained and have done what I have been told but it has come to that time when enough is enough.

"I have been frustrated for a while and you get low because you feel like you don't know where you are going.

"But I believe I can do a job in the Premiership and hopefully something will come up."