Aston Villa forward Darren Bent has dismissed suggestions that he may ask to leave the club in the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old was removed as club captain by new manager Paul Lambert earlier this season. He has also spent a lot of time on the substitutes' bench in recent weeks.

However, Bent is determined to remain at Villa Park and force his way back into the first-team frame.

"No of course I wouldn't ask for a transfer," he said. "Aston Villa is a massive club and I always want to play for huge clubs. Villa is that. For me to do that would be silly, especially at this stage of the season when there's still a long way to go.

"Everyone would like an explanation about why things happen, but that's the manager's style and I respect that.

"If they feel in January it's time to part ways then that'll be down to them. From my perspective, I'm more than happy at Aston Villa and to play my football here."

Bent began today's Premier League clash with Norwich City on the bench. Follow the match live by clicking here.