Ciaran Clark has warned top-flight attackers that his partnership with Ron Vlaar will get "stronger and stronger" in the coming weeks and months ahead.

Clark and Vlaar are Paul Lambert's No.1 pairing in central defence for Villa, and Irish ace Clark says playing alongside Vlaar is a dream. The pair aim to give forwards nightmares by channelling all their energies into shut-outs for Lambert's Lions. He told Aston Villa's official website:

"It's brilliant to be playing alongside Ron. When he came in, we seemed to understand each other right from our first training session. The more we train and the more we play together, the stronger we'll get."

Clark is thrilled to be excelling at centre-half, after a spell of playing here, there and everywhere for the team under previous managers. The 22 year-old is happy in a settled position, although he still maintains he'd switch if needed. He added:

"For the past few seasons I've been all over the place. I haven't minded that because I'll play anywhere for the team and I'm just glad to be involved. But this season it's nice that I've been able to settle down and get myself into one position, which is what I've always wanted."

Aston Villa travel to St. Mary's to face Southampton on Saturday.