Aston Villa striker Andi Weimann says their future can be built on the academy.

The former Rapid Vienna youngster believes himself and fellow products of the Bodymoor Heath football factory can play an important part in the club's future.

"In the last few years we've won the reserve league most years so that shows we're good," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"You rely on experienced players because they've played in the Premier League.

"But we've not got that big a squad so the manager has to give us a chance and hopefully it will pay off.

"I think all the younger players are committed to the club because we came up through the youth team and we've been here for a long time. Everyone's heart is in the club, everyone's happy and we're trying to do it for the club as much as for us."