Laursen: I’m fighting for my Aston Villa future

Laursen said: “I would love to stay here and earn a new contract. They will probably need to see that I’m fit now so that they can trust that I’m back. I’ve got to play.

“It has been frustrating because in three years I haven’t played enough but this season I have to say that I’ve been pleased with the way that I’ve performed when I have played.

“It irritates me that I haven’t been able to give more back.

“It’s been bad luck. I can’t blame myself – I’ve done everything that I can to be back as soon as possible.

“I honestly think that my games after my injury have shown that I’ve worked hard in the gym.”