He may have played on the very highest European stage but Martin Laursen is as excited as anyone at the prospect of representing Villa in the Intertoto Cup.

And the Danish international defender is determined to book a place in the UEFA Cup when Villa face either TPS Turku of Finland or his compatriots Odense BK later this month.

Laursen, who returned for pre-season training on Thursday, played Champions League football with former club AC Milan and was a regular on the European stage before joining Villa in May 2004.

Now he is relishing the prospect of a return to continental football - even though it means an early return to competitive action.

He told www.avfc.co.uk: "I suppose it's going to be a long season - with a return to action in July. But it should also be an interesting season.

"We did well last season and qualified for the Intertoto Cup so now we have a chance to play European football. It may be long and hard but it's very interesting and that's what you want to do. Hopefully the season will be long and rewarding.

"I haven't played European football for this club but I've been lucky enough to play European football for my previous club (AC Milan) and it is special.

"Playing in the Premier League is a big, big thing and you play top sides and top quality players every week. But to play in European football means to play against other teams you're not used to playing against. It's something special, something new and interesting.

"It's a special feeling, like playing for your country and I think it will be a great experience for the players at Villa who have not yet played European football."

On a personal level Laursen is keen to repeat last season's feat of starting every single Barclays Premier League game - a major improvement on his first three injury hit years at Villa.

He added: "I played every game last season and I would pay a lot of money to do the same again this season. That was my big aim a year ago and it is still my big aim this time.

"I spent too long injured here and I just want to play football. I want to play games and I am doing everything that I can to stay fit and play as many games as possible."

See AVTV Online for much more from Laursen.