Football: BERGER: MY EURO GOAL; ASTON VILLA v BOLTON TODAY, KICK OFF 3PM.

Byline: By MARTIN ROGERS

PATRIK BERGER has vowed to repay David O'Leary's faith in him by propelling Aston Villa into Europe.

The Czech midfielder moved to Villa Park at the start of the summer and revealed he is on a mission to secure UEFA Cup football for the club.

Berger will play his first competitive game under O'Leary at home to Bolton today and told how he has big plans for the side this season.

He said: "I came to Villa because I firmly believe this is a club capable of moving forward and enjoying success.

"I did not want to go somewhere where the manager was not ambitious, but that is not a problem here.

"There is no reason why we can't challenge strongly in the top half of the table. But the goal has got to be to try to get into Europe."

O'Leary has endured a frustrating time in the transfer market this summer. He added Berger, Kevin Phillips, Aaron Hughes and Stuart Taylor to his squad, but lost Darius Vassell to Manchester City.

Club captain Olof Mellberg is determined for Villa to repeat the form they showed when he joined the club five years ago. Mellberg said: "When I arrived we were up at the top of the league but since then we have not been up there. I would love to go a step further this year and lead us into Europe."

LATEST TEAM NEWS

ASTON VILLA: Patrik Berger (thigh) will have a late test. Mark Delaney (knee) misses out but MartinLaursen has been passed fit. BOLTON:Radhi Jaidi is set to start as Bruno N'Gotty begins a three- match ban. Kevin Davies is likely to play as the lone striker.

CAPTION(S):

BERGER: Still keen for honours