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Ashley Westwood has come on leaps and bounds since he first tasted defeat in the Premier League against Southampton.

Aston Villa’s middle man was part of the team that lost 4-1 to the Saints in September 2012 when both himself and boss Paul Lambert were still learning the ropes at their new club.

Since then there have been further lows and the occasional high for Westwood to contend with as he continues his education in the top-flight.

A tried and trusted member of the first-team, the deep-lying midfielder understands what is required of him now and is a far more accomplished player than he was two seasons ago.

When Ronald Koeman’s troops come to Villa Park on Monday he will be much smarter and wiser than when when he faced the same opponents some two seasons ago and just as determined to avoid defeat.

“I didn’t enjoy that game against Southampton but it certainly opened my eyes to what Premier League football is all about,” he said.

“I got on at half-time and, as I say, it was an eye-opener for me, definitely.

“But the gaffer gave me the chance against Sunderland after that – and I’ve not really looked back since.

“We bounced back after that defeat at Southampton and picked up from there.

“I have grown massively as a player since that game.

“You’re training with top-quality players day in and day out and playing against some of the best players in the world on matchdays.

“You will only improve and progress – and I feel I have grown as a player. I want to keep improving too – there’s a lot more to come from me.”

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Westwood has been a regular for the past three seasons and has taken on more responsibility of late.

In the absence of Ron Vlaar and Gabby Agbonlahor recently he wore the captain’s armband which shows how much he has come on.

Like the rest of the squad the pressure is on for him to perform on Monday night and help end Villa’s miserable seven-game winless run.

Southampton are flying high in second place and will provide yet another tough test but Westwood insists the belief is there to turn things around.

“West Ham were on a good run but we went there and picked up a good, valuable point,” he said.

“We showed plenty of character.

“It will be the same kind of test on Monday.

“Southampton are in great form. They lost a lot of players in the summer but the lads they have brought in have started the season really well.

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“They look a real force and obviously they are the closest in the table to Chelsea so they can’t be doing a lot wrong.”

While the grumbles have intensified on the terraces, Westwood insists the camp remains upbeat.

Recording a first point in seven games last time out has helped lift confidence levels and training has been enjoyable over the international break.

Tomorrow, Villa’s globe-trotters return from duty with their respective nations and the 24-year-old reckons that will enhance the mood.

“To stop the losing streak was important for us,” he added.

“We certainly didn’t want to go into the international break without something.

“We picked up a very good point. It gave us a lift. And training since – these past two weeks – has been brilliant.

“I am sure the internationals coming back on Thursday will only add to that.”