Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar has insisted that he will be "satisfied" with a mid-table finish in the Premier League this season.

The Midlands outfit are currently 12th in the standings, and Vlaar is hopeful that he can help guide the team after overcoming his injury problems.

"We have improved from last season, but we need to have patience," the Birmingham Mail quotes Vlaar as saying. "The team will improve and get stronger if we continue to build each season.

"We are in the middle of the table and the team is that good right now. I am happy if we are around there. Everybody should be happy with that for now and then look for some improvement next season. If we finished around those positions this season I will be satisfied."

Villa will take on Newcastle United this Saturday.