Delph happy at Villa; Shea wants first-team football

Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph has revealed he would ‘love’ to spend the rest of his career at Villa Park, Sky Sports understands.

Delph, who joined Villa from Leeds United for an undisclosed fee in August 2009, has been on sensational form for Paul Lambert’s side this season.

In fact, the former England youth international, 23, has earned Lambert’s recommendation to receive an England call-up from Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson in the near future.

“For me it’s just about playing games, staying fit, helping my team-mates and just repaying people back,” said Delph.

“I’m sure if I stay fit, which is a big thing for me, then hopefully I might be offered a new contract.

“I’d love to be here for the rest of my career but that’s not up to me.”

If Delph were to maintain his current purple patch of form and stay injury-free, the 23-year-old could potentially force his way into the England squad for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

In other news, England midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring) is nearing full fitness ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Rodwell, who helped the Manchester City Elite Development Squad defeat over-matched Rochdale last Wednesday, could be in contention for a place on City’s bench against Chelsea at the weekend.

Chelsea (13/10); Manchester City (11/5); Draw (12/5)

Shea wants first-team football

Unites States international winger Brek Shea has talked up a potential loan move away from the Britannia Stadium in January, according to Sky Sports.

Shea, 23, joined Stoke on a four-and-a-half-year deal, for a reported fee of £2.5 million, from FC Dallas in January.

The 23-year-old winger was on the verge of joining Championship side Derby County earlier this month, but nothing materialised following the sacking of manager Nigel Clough.

“Birds were chirping,” said Shea. “There was word, but obviously he [Clough] got sacked.

“I’ve got to get playing, whether here or on loan somewhere. It’s up to the gaffer and hopefully he tells me something soon.

“If I’m not going to play here, I want to go out and get some games in. But I can’t control that, that’s up to them.”

To make matters even worse for Shea, he is also currently out-of-favour with United States manager Jürgen Klinsmann, having not featured for Team USA since the Gold Cup this summer.

Shea is 10/1 to score at anytime against Manchester United on Saturday.