Gary Cahill reckons rejection from Aston Villa fired him on to a Reebok revenge mission.

The England defender blasted two goals in a thrilling 3-2 victory over his old club to climb above Liverpool to move into the Premier League's top six.

And Cahill admits he felt there was a score to be settled after failing to get the better of Villa in his previous five attempts.

“I felt I had something to prove because the last few times I have played against Villa I have had absolute stinkers,” he said.

“The tide had to turn a little bit for me because when I played against Villa away from home last season, it was my worst performance as a professional footballer.

“That was a big blow but it takes those kicks for you to come back stronger.”

Cahill has conceded 15 goals against his former side since being shown the door by Martin O'Neill in 2008 and moving to Wanderers for £5million.

The 25-year-old still keeps in touch with the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, who rose with him through the Villa ranks, and holds those who work in the club’s youth ranks in high esteem.

But there was no hiding his delight as he twice took advantage of some dodgy zonal marking to pull Wanderers back on level terms before Ivan Klasnic once again came off the bench to net a winner four minutes from time.

And Cahill was making no apologies for his exuberant celebrations in front of the Villa end.

“There's nothing personal against the fans at all, nor the people at the club, and by that I mean those in the youth system,” he said. “The likes of Gordon Cowans, Tony McAndrew, Kev MacDonald, they bring in players year after year.

“They churn out top quality players, so in that respect they gave me a platform for my career.

“Obviously when it came to the first team things didn't go as well as planned but me scoring two goals is rare and I'm going to celebrate them no matter what.

“I thought when I was there my relationship with the fans was fine, and when I left they were great. Lets be honest, it wasn't the fans who decided to move me on.

“I have played it down but sometimes when you get a little knock-back early on in your career it makes you stronger. In the back of your mind, you always think 'I've got to show you'.”

Coyle was also lavish in his praise of Gary Cahill, who struck twice against his former club.Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, and Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool boss, were in the crowd to witness Cahill’s heroics.And Coyle admitted he may not be able to keep hold of his prize asset in the summer.The Scot said: “It’s nice when people get goals but Gary Cahill’s whole performance was outstanding.“He’s got feet belonging to a centre forward and I believe he could play for any top team in world football.“Gary would stand toe to toe with any of the top players. I’ve said it before but there will be a time where he’s outgrown the club. It will take good money for that to come to fruition but he will go with my blessing.“I’ll never stand in the way of anyone and what he has to do is keep showing those top clubs what a talent he is.”