Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole has revealed that he is happy to be back amongst the goals after recently breaking an 11-month drought.

The 33-year-old marked his full Villa debut by opening the scoring in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Burnley - his first goal since finding the net for West Ham United last December.

Injuries have restricted him to just three Premier League games this season, and Cole, who was released by West Ham in the summer, hopes that he can now begin his career with the Villans.

"It's always nice to score your first goal for your new club and to score it on my first league start was great. It's been a long time," he told Sky Sports News.

"I've had a few niggly injuries and things but I'm just here to play football. I want to help the club and help the young players with my experience and my performances.

"It's a short career and you want to play football."

Paul Lambert's side sit 16th in the Premier League table.