Sidwell hoping to extend European exploits with Villa

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The midfielder helped Villa accomplish the first part of their mission by defeating Odense BK 3-2 on aggregate in the Intertoto Cup to book their place in the UEFA Cup final qualifying round.

Sidwell: Looking forward to European exploits with Aston Villa

It will be the first time Villa will be participating for seven years since the John Gregory era when they crashed out at the first hurdle to Croatian side NK Varteks.

Sidwell, a £5million signing this summer, was on the bench three times for Chelsea in the Champions League before they lost the final to Manchester United on penalties.

But his only time on the pitch was as an 84th-minute substitute in a group game away to Valencia in October which Chelsea won 2-1.

Sidwell said: 'Playing in Europe for any team is a massive thing for any player and any club and we have achieved the first objective by getting through in the Intertoto.

'I had a very brief taste of Europe in the Champions League last season with Chelsea but I'd love to play a big part in the UEFA Cup and enjoy a good run with Villa.'

Sidwell is also quick to dismiss the theory that Villa might be physically affected by having to start competitive football so early, a month before the Barclays Premier League gets under way.

He said: 'It makes for a long season ahead but it won't be a problem. I missed a lot of football last season so I'm just happy to be out on the pitch playing again. I'm looking forward to every single game.'