The 37-year-old midfielder, who has signed an initial six-month deal, is used to winning silverware with France and Arsenal. Now Pires can see a blend of experience and youth at Villa Park which gives him hope of adding to that collection. Pires said: "I would love to win a trophy - the Carling Cup or FA Cup. "It would be nice to compete for a Champions League place too. I love to have objectives and challenges. "Now this move represents a new opportunity and a new challenge for me. "I have seen the young players in action because I watched the last game against Manchester United," he said. "For me it was a good surprise. "Villa have good young players. This is very important for the future of the club. "For me, with any football team, the most important thing is having a good mix. "That gives you good opportunities to win trophies. "There are a lot of injuries at the moment but Villa have some top youngsters. They have quality. "If you put that alongside players of good experience like Emile Heskey and Brad Friedel, it's good. Gerard Houllier has a good mix here. "I also hope to bring my experience to the team and for the younger players." Pires believes he will be fit enough to play some part in Sunday's clash at Blackburn if required. But he expects to find it hard going initially despite training with Arsenal this season. Pires said: "I know I am going to suffer because I haven't played for six months. "For the next game it's going to be difficult for me but I am very excited about playing for this club. "I am fit and ready to contribute for the team. I am here. I have a contract for six months. "I worked with Arsenal and it was very hard work for six months." Villa assistant-manager Garry McAllister hopes the youngsters at the club can bring the best out of Pires. McAllister said: "When I went to Liverpool, people used to say I brought experience to the younger ones but it was the other way around. "It was the young ones who refreshed my mind and got me going again. "Hopefully the younger ones here will do the same with Robert."
