Frederic Guilbert is desperate to make up for lost time after leaving Aston Villa for a loan spell at Strasbourg, speaking to La Presse de la Manche.
After failing to make a single appearance during the first four months of the Premier League season, Villa’s seldom-seen right-back is wasting little time in making an impact back home in France.
On his Strasbourg debut last weekend, Guilbert set up an 84th-minute winner at Metz via an inch-perfect cross into the penalty box.
And, with his new employers hovering nervously above the relegation zone, the 26-year-old could hardly have made a better first impression, helping Strasbourg claim three vital points in their battle against the drop.
“I had a difficult last six months at Aston Villa. I was training but I was still on the bench. I had only one desire, and that was to get on the field,” Guilbert admits.
“At Strasbourg I have the opportunity to play so I want to show what I’m capable of. I’m starving.
“Strasbourg was the right club to regain playing time. Here, there are really good players. We can do great things with the group.
“We have ambitions. I want to help the club achieve its goals.”
Considering that Dean Smith appears to have lost any semblance of faith in the former Caen full-back, it’s unlikely Guilbert has a future at Villa Park.
Especially if teenager Kaine Kesler steps up in the injury-enforced absence of Matty Cash with an intriguing battle against Leicester City coming up on Sunday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
