Joe Bennett has admitted he has a point to prove at Aston Villa – but he is not ruling out a longer stay with Albion.

The left-back on loan with the Seagulls for the rest of the season has fallen out of favour at Villa Park but still has two years left on his contract.

Bennett, 24, said: “I don’t think I’ve played my best football at Villa that’s for sure.

“I was young when I joined Villa and probably if I’m being honest I don’t think I was ready for the Premier League at that age.

“Maybe a couple more years at Middlesbrough would have been better for me. I’m just buzzing to show people what I can do and hopefully I can do that this season.

“I think my long-term future is definitely with Villa. You never know what could happen. Brighton could get promoted and things could change.

“I could have a good season here, go back to Villa and then play next season.

“I am just focusing on playing well and we’ll see what happens at the end.”