UNAI Emery says his players are "ready and excited" for tonight's Newcastle United challenge as Aston Villa look to right the wrongs of their heavy opening day defeat at St James' Park.

Villa were thumped 5-1 at Newcastle in their opening league game of the season when defender Tyrone Mings sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which has ruled him out since.

Emery's side have recovered in record-breaking fashion and are riding high in fourth place having earned their best-ever points return after 21 Premier League matches - but have won only one of their last four ahead of the visit of the Magpies.

Reflecting on the defeat at Newcastle, Emery said: “It was tough, not only the result, but we can remember the moment Tyrone got injured and that was difficult.

“We analysed, we worked and are trying to improve. We will respect them like they deserve – and we are ready.”

Villa’s last three fixtures have been on the road and they return to action at Villa Park, where they have dropped only two points in 10 games this season, for the first time since the end of December.

Emery said: “We are excited. The last match we played here was one month ago so my motivation is very high.”

The Spaniard confirmed Pau Torres (ankle), Lucas Digne (thigh) and Jhon Duran (hamstring) are still out, while Mings and Emi Buendia (knee) remain long-term absentees.

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Emery also responded to reports linking Jacob Ramsey with a move away from Villa Park ahead of Thursday's deadline.

Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Newcastle were all linked with Ramsey on Monday morning before Eddie Howe dismissed claims of interest from the Magpies as "incorrect".

It has been reported that Villa need to sell before strengthening their squad due to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, but Emery is determined to keep hold of Ramsey, who is a doubt for tonight's game because of a hamstring injury.

The Villa chief said: “Jacob Ramsey is a very important player. He grew up in the academy and his progression is getting better.

“His level is increasing a lot and I want to keep him here with us. Of course, there are movements (speculation) around him.

“Maybe there are teams involved in the possibility to sign him because he has a big, big potential at Villa and in England. I want to keep him here, 100%."