Vlaar adamant Villa can compete

Ron Vlaar insisted Aston Villa will travel to Newcastle on Sunday in a positive mindset, despite a poor start to the season.

The centre-back sees no reason why Villa cannot get a result against last season’s surprise package Newcastle at the Sports Direct Arena, that will kick-start their season.

“We have to believe and trust that we can get results and that can happen on Sunday,” he told reporters.

“You never start a game and think you will lose and that’s the same on Sunday.

“If you lose then it is never good but other people are not here every day to see the way we try to train and the way we try to improve the play.

“We have some new players and a new manager and it needs some time to get used to each other and the things the manager wants. It will be better.”

Vlaar also believes he can adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League, in the same way Newcastle’s overseas recruits such as Papiss Cisse and Yohan Cabaye have done.

“It’s not just about experience, it is about focus and mindset,” he added.

“They tell you what to expect but after one game you know it yourself because you have experienced it already.

“I want to learn every day, I want to pick the good things every day.”