Jedinak happy at Aston Villa despite extended exile

Former Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak has revealed he has no plans to leave Aston Villa despite an extended absence - now up to 74 days - from the first-team.

Jedinak, who has not featured for Dean Smith's side since their 1-1 draw with Bristol City on September 29, was left off the teamsheet entirely for Saturday's (AEDT) 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

But despite the near-three month break, the 34-year-old believes his current status has only helped motivate his bid to return.

"As strange as it sounds I am enjoying my football, I am enjoying going into work every day and working doubly hard to try and make myself get back into the team," Jedinak told TalkSPORT when asked if he was happy at the Championship club.

"That’s something I have done for as long as I know.

"I am enjoying the sessions, I am enjoying trying to help wherever I can in every which way.

"It’s not just the games, it’s the training and being around that and making sure that that’s right. I am enjoying it to be honest with you.

"I am enjoying the environment and I am enjoying going into work every day."

The upbeat defensive midfielder's comments come despite links with a move back to the A-League, most notably with expansion hopefuls Macarthur-South West Sydney.

"Mile is interested and wants to hear back after December 12 when some decisions regarding expansion have been made," a source recently told The World Game.

"The planets are all aligning but you have to make sure you’ve got a spot on the rocket ship first."

Jedinak has led the Socceroos in each of the past two FIFA World Cups, totalling 79 caps and 20 goals.