Milan Baros believes he is gradually getting back to his best after a stop-start beginning to his Aston Villa career following a successful festive period for the Czech international.

The striker scored three times in the four games - including the penalty winner against West Brom on Monday - which saw Villa remain unbeaten and pick up eight points to move well clear of the relegation zone.

David O'Leary's £6 million capture from Liverpool was dogged by fitness problems including an Achilles problem during his early months at Villa.

But there have been encouraging signs in recent weeks of Baros starting to show form and he has demonstrated signs of linking up effectively with both Juan Pablo Angel and Luke Moore.

He said: "It wasn't easy for me to begin with after I came to Villa. I had just arrived at a new club and then after only a few games I got injured.

"It is not what you want because you want to make a good impression when you come to a new club.

"After that I wasn't happy with my form because I had to get back my fitness and sharpness. But I feel okay now and a little sharper.

Baros is now looking for Villa to climb into the top half of the table in 2006.

He admitted: "It wasn't ideal playing four games in eight days but the whole team did well and eight points from those matches means we are now climbing the table.

"It could have been even better as we could have beaten Arsenal as well - but it's never easy to do that although we did have the chances.

"It was important to beat West Brom on Monday and keep our good run going. Everyone knows that we have a good, strong squad at Villa. Everyone knows we didn't deserve to be down there in the table.

"Hopefully now we can climb up the table get more points. That is definitely the aim."

PA