Knight is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season

Aston Villa centre back Zat Knight hopes the club's Uefa Cup run will increase his opportunities to make the starting line-up.

The former Fulham defender is yet to appear in the Premier League this season, but has played five cup games.

"No-one can go and knock on the gaffer's door because we're third in the league," Knight told BBC WM.

"We've only lost one game, and we're playing in Europe so we have had the chance to rotate everyone."

Knight was part of the Villa team that secured a place in the group phase of the Uefa Cup with a 1-1 draw against Litex Lovech of Bulgaria on Thursday and feels their European campaign now starts in earnest.

"I know there are some big teams in there like AC Milan. Hopefully we can avoid them, and then we need to win our home games and do well away."

Villa will learn on Tuesday which four teams will join them in their Uefa Cup group, with Martin O'Neill's side facing to two home games and two away fixtures in the competition before Christmas.

For his part, Knight is concentrating his efforts on breaking into his manager's Premier League plans.

"It's very frustrating. It happened to me last year, I started the season, did very well and then got suspended against Chelsea and Curtis Davies took over," Knight said.

"I'm training well, and when I get the opportunity I'm doing well. I'm keeping a level head and waiting."