Robert Olejnik Biding His Time

Villa's 20-year-old keeper Robert Olejnik has taken the arrival of loan keeper Gabor Kiraly in his stride and says might need to go out on loan to gain some first team experience.

The young Austrian, who had hoped to deputise in the absence of Thomas Sorensen and Stuart Taylor said:

'When I came here, I set myself a target to be challenging for a place within three years. At first I wasn't sure whether I would make it but I'm generally happy with my progress. I feel I'm becoming more a part of the first team now. I train with them and I've been on the bench a few times. It's fantastic to be involved.

'There's obviously rivalry between the goalkeepers, but it's a good rivalry. Everyone is fighting for a place but if you make a mistake someone will always try to help you. Goalkeepers tend to stick together in that respect.'

'Both Thomas and Stuart have a lot of experience but I'm determined to work hard and show the manager what I can do. You never know what's going to happen. I had the chance to go out on loan to Macclesfield but the next day Thomas got injured and suddenly I was on the bench for Villa. It was almost like fate.'

'I'd be quite happy to go out on loan, though, because in the lower divisions you are playing against men. The standard may not be so high, but you learn the physical aspects of the game. It definitely benefits young player so maybe something will come along in January.'

'Then again, football is so unpredictable that I might end up playing for Villa before then. It's exciting to watch the first team from the touchline. I never have any finger nails after the game. I always play the game in my head and imagine what I would do if I was in goal. I think about how I would handle a shot or deal with a cross, so I'm learning all the time. I've watched Stuart closely in the last few games and it was also good to have a look at David James in the game at Portsmouth.'

Still not found out why they call him the beast though, anyone know?

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