Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has been cutting Villa's wage bill while trying to bring through some of the club's Academy products this season.

He's hoping the influence of loan signing Robbie Keane will help youngsters like Ciaran Clark and Marc Albrighton to find their feet.

Republic of Ireland defender Clark, 22, who became a midfielder to force his way into the team, said: "As soon as Robbie got here, you could see what a top player he is.

"I had seen it in training camps in Ireland, but he's made a big impression on some of the other lads. He's top drawer. He's 100 per cent all the time."