Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has insisted that the squad believes more than ever that they can avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

The Villans are currently two points from safety in the table following a winless run of eight games.

"The core belief within the team and the squad has not waned. In fact, the belief is there now more than ever," Clark told the club's official website.

"On the training pitch we've been working hard and that will hopefully equate to greater consistency over the latter part of the season."

Villa host West Ham United in the league on Sunday.