Villa's 3-0 victory over Everton took them joint top of the FA Carling Premiership, behind Chelsea
           on goal difference, and Merson put the record straight about recent events at Villa Park. 

           He said: ``I never said I wanted to leave. I wouldn't want to leave here, it's a massive club and
           we've got some great players and we're going places. 

           ``I was big enough to apologise to the boss and I apologise to the fans if I upset them, but it's just
           one of those things. 

           ``I'm still learning, I'm still only a kid and I act like one! It's part and parcel of growing up and
           learning the game.'' 

           Fellow forward Julian Joachim scored two goals in front of the watching England boss Glenn
           Hoddle and Merson added: ``He's playing very well - I don't see too many people playing as well
           as him at the moment. 

           ``If he keeps on working like he is in training, it an England call-up couldn't happen to a nicer
           bloke.'' 

           Joachim told Sky Sports: ``My main aim at the moment is just to play as many games as I can for
           Aston Villa. I've played a lot more games and I'm enjoying my football at the moment.''