Elliott's embracing the competition for places

HARVEY Elliott isn’t expecting to walk straight into the Aston Villa starting XI and is relishing the challenge of competing for a place - just as he did at Liverpool.

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The 22-year-old made his Villa debut on Saturday, coming off the bench in the second half of a 0-0 draw against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Emi Buendia made way for Elliott in the 71st minute, but Villa were on the back foot late in the game as Everton pushed for what would have been their third successive win.

After holding on for a point, Villa now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with a trip to Brentford offering an opportunity for Unai Emery’s side to claim their first win - and first goal - of the campaign.

Elliott could make his first start in claret and blue, already feeling integrated into the squad after spending the past fortnight working under Emery.

“He's told me the ins and outs of where he wants me to be and play,” Elliott said of the Villa boss. “I've had a few weeks to integrate myself into the team, the style of play, and understand what's going on.