The goalkeeper joined Villa from Manchester United in January.
On-loan Aston Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has told avfc.co.uk that the Championship club are the biggest team he has ever played for away from Old Trafford, and voiced his belief that he has hit his stride after a difficult start.
Johnstone became Steve Bruce’s first signing as Villa manager when he joined on a deal until the end of the season in January from Manchester United.
The 24-year-old has started every available fixture since his arrival at Villa Park, despite some supporters calling for him to be drop after an inauspicious start during the team’s dire run of form in January and the majority of February.
In recent weeks, however, the goalkeeper has been excellent in between the posts, to the point where there is even talk that Villa will have to fight off Premier League interest if they want to sign him permanently this summer.
Johnstone is clearly pleased with how things appear to have turned out at Villa Park, but admitted that it was far from an easy start for him because of his previous lack of playing time.
Johnstone explained to Villa’s official website: “I’ve had loan spells at other places but the size of this club tops it off by a mile. The club is massive. It is a Premier League club. They need to be back up there and, hopefully, I can help them do that.
“It’s a massive club and walking out at Villa Park on a Saturday in front of 35,000 people, it’s crazy, and something I’ve been wanting to do for the first half of the season.
“It was a tough start but I hadn’t played a first-team game for a year and it took a while to get going. Hopefully everyone can see what I can do now and I hope it carries on until the end of the season with my team-mates.
Johnstone also went on to sing the praises of his manager Bruce, and voiced his gratitude for the way in which his boss stuck by him throughout his difficult early spell.
The stopper continued: “Obviously, having him [Bruce] as a manager, he has managed for a long time, so he understands everything. I am glad he was patient with me and, hopefully, I’m repaying him back with the performances, clean sheets and wins.
Johnstone will line up in goal yet again for Villa on Saturday as they host Norwich City.
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