Marlon Harewood has vowed to keep fighting for a place and dedicated his first league goal for Villa to the Claret and Blue Army.

Harewood has made only six appearances since his summer arrival from West Ham, but refuses to be downhearted about his lack of opportunities to date.

Instead he aims to redouble his efforts and is determined to be ready if and when the opportunity comes along.

He told www.avfc.co.uk: "It's all about taking my chances. That's the same for any striker - or any player really. If you haven't been in the frame for a few weeks and suddenly you're thrown back in, you have to go out there and do your best to stay in there.

"I've had a few games for the reserves and I've tried to have the right attitude. When you're putting on that shirt for Villa, you've got to do your best whatever level you're playing at - youth team, reserves, first-team. You've got to go out there and do your best to show what you can do.

"If you're doing well and the manager's watching, he'll chuck you in and give you a chance to show what you can do."

Harewood's most recent chance came at Blackburn last week as he came off the bench to score in Villa's 4-0 victory at Ewood Park.

He added: "It turned out to be a great night for the lads. They played really well. And it was a good night for me to get my first league goal here at Villa.

"I was surprised it didn't go behind off Friedel, but as the ball came to me I was just determined to get it under control and put it into the net.

"That goal was for the supporters. They've been fantastic since the day I signed and I just hope they keep that going, because it gees me up so much.

"Obviously because I haven't been playing, it's just fantastic to know they're there for me. If I get my chance I'm looking to come on and show them what I can do."

The goal at Ewood Park was Harewood's 100th League goal, though the 28-year-old admitted: "I wasn't really aware of that at the time. It was just nice to get a goal for Martin and the rest of the team. It was nice to play my part in a big win.

"Getting my first league goal for Villa is really important - especially at a place like Blackburn, because they've been doing really well."