Speaking to Aston Villa’s official Twitter account, Glenn Whelan has insisted it is the job of the players to help Villa back to the Premier League.

Villa are preparing for their second successive campaign in the Sky Bet Championship, after both Roberto Di Matteo and Steve Bruce failed to spark a promotion challenge last season.

Bruce eventually guided a disappointing Villa side to a 13th-placed finish in the Championship, but has now set about reshaping his multi-million-pound squad ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

Whelan is one fresh face at Villa Park, having arrived on a two-year deal from Premier League outfit, Stoke City.

The 33-year-old midfielder has now revealed it is his aim to get Villa back to the top-flight, he said: “We may be in the Championship but everything screams Premier League. It’s our job to get us back up there.”

Whelan is one of five summer signings at Villa Park, joining John Terry, Chris Samba, Ahmed Elmohamady and Sam Johnstone in Bruce’s squad ahead of next season.

Bruce is reportedly targeting another new arrival, with Villa now entering the race to sign Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo on-loan this summer.

Villa are competing with Derby County, Middlesbrough and Fulham for the 20-year-old’s signature.

Villa fans… What do you make of Whelan’s comments? Are you expecting your club to be fighting for promotion in the Championship next season? Let us know your thoughts!