Aston Villa defender Jose Angel Crespo has said that he is desperate for a first-team opportunity under Remi Garde.

The 28-year-old joined the club in the summer in a £500,000 deal from Cordoba, but has been limited to just two appearances in the starting lineup this term.

However, Crespo has insisted that he is capable of producing in the Premier League and is hopeful of proving his point to Garde in the near future.

He told the club's official website: "I think I need to train stronger and I need to be ready for when the manager wants to play me. I am ready and I want to help the team.

"It is not important where I play - I just want to help the team. It was very good to play against Stoke because Villa Park is a big stadium and I like the fans.

"I wanted to play because for me it is a dream to play in England in the Premier League."

Villa play Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.