How Taylor Harwood-Bellis' latest comments could make all the difference at Aston Villa

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has spoken out on his unorthodox start to life at Aston Villa.

The centre-back looked to be the final piece of the puzzle for Unai Emery after a busy summer.

With Ezri Konsa leaving for Arsenal, a fresh face at the heart of defence was always going to be necessary.

The B6 outfit got exactly that in the shape of the ex-Southampton star.

Villa fans have been keen to see the 24-year-old in action, but he has made just one appearance in claret and blue so far.

Harwood-Bellis has put any fears to bed over his start at Villa Park after speaking out in the midst of an extended international break.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis attitude on show at Aston Villa

The one-cap England international came in with to a mixed reception from supporters in the Midlands.

Having spent last season in the Championship, it is unclear how soon he will adapt to life under Emery.

That feeling has been summed up by his lack of minutes as he has regularly been made to watch from the stands.

The Villa boss will be delighted to learn that Harwood-Bellis is stepping up his efforts to match the standards rather than downing tools.

In a Villa TV interview from a warm weather training camp in Spain, the defender make his feelings clear.

He said: "It was a tough move, obviously being at Southampton and having a lot of affection for the club and then coming here, I didn’t know what to expect.

"I’m really grateful and proud to be here. I hope to get a few more games and try to get myself into the team, which is difficult with the standard of players here. I’ll keep working and I won’t stop until I get my run of games."

The question will now be about what the Englishman can add to the B6 side if he hits the right notes at Bodymoor and beyond.

How Harwood-Bellis can step up at Aston Villa

The summer signing has proven that his mindset is perfect for this Villa side.

That is just one side to everything that Emery wants, but consistent performances have to follow.

Harwood-Bellis was able to show what he can do against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup as he completed 90 minutes at the CBS Arena.

He put up eight defensive actions on the day and a 100 per cent duel success rate.

The defender wasn't dribbled past at all and also went the whole game without conceding a foul.

To make all that better, he maintained a 92 per cent pass accuracy and even registered a shot on target.

It was a good first impression, but is something he needs to do regularly and against the best sides in the Premier League.

If he can do that, Harwood-Bellis can prove to everyone in B6 just how good he can be.