Zat Knight knows Villa must handle growing expectations next season but the big defender is confident Martin O'Neill's young side can do just that.

And with O'Neill looking to add both quality and quantity to the playing staff over the summer, Knight is confident Villa can build on the top-six Barclays Premier League finish.

The former Fulham man told www.avfc.co.uk: "We set out aiming to get into Europe and even though we missed out on the UEFA Cup we still have the Intertoto.

"I came here to Villa because I wanted to push for things at the top of the table and that's what we've done this season.

"This is a young squad that can only get better and the manager is sure to add to the squad with even more quality in the summer. So it's an exciting time for Villa.

"The challenge for all the players next season will be to live up to the higher expectations. That's a challenge but we'll be ready for it."

Reflecting on his own season, Knight added: "I had a really good start and to score on my debut against Chelsea - and at home - was fantastic.

"But then I picked up a suspension in the return against Chelsea, was out for a while which was frustrating and disappointing, but Curtis Davies did well and took his chance until he got injured.

"I came back in and had one or two below-par games. But overall in the last few games I think I've done well."