Curtis Davies wants his new gaffer at Aston Villa, Martin O'Neill, to turn him into an England star.

Defender Davies, 22, joined Aston Villa from West Brom in a deal which could eventually be worth a club record £10million.

He revealed: "The manager's record speaks for itself. He turned players such as Muzzy Izzet, Emile Heskey and Robbie Savage into great players and, hopefully, I can be another one he can turn into a gem."

O'Neill has gathered some the best young English talent at Villa. Zat Knight also signed from Fulham this week, joining rising stars such as Ashley Young, Nigel Reo-Coker and Gabby Agbonlahor.

Davies added: "We've got eight England Under-21 internationals. Hopefully we can go on to play for the full side.

"With Ashley Young getting into the England squad it shows I've made the right move.

"People keep saying English football is going backwards. It would be nice if we can put down a stamp for the English flag and all do well."