Former Middlesbrough defender Joe Bennett is thrilled with his move to Aston Villa.

Bennett completed his transfer to Villa Park after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee, believed to be around the £2.5million mark.

Bennett, a former Boro youth team player, said: "I am really excited to have joined a massive club in Aston Villa and I'm eager to fight for a starting place and get in the team.

"It's up to the manager to pick the team, of course, but it would be great to go back to the north-east this weekend and make my debut against Newcastle.

"I know a few of the Villa players from England Under-21s, the likes of Nathan Delfouneso and Nathan Baker and that will help in terms of settling in. I'm looking forward to it.

"My approach has always been to get forward and try to create things. If I keep working on my game and improving it I know I can succeed at this level and help the team."