Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has welcomed Tom Hanks' commitment to the club.

O'Neill said: "I'm a fan. I'd look forward to meeting Tom and having a chat. And we might as well have the very best - we don't deal with C-list celebrities!

"I don't know if Tom is coming on Saturday. Maybe that's the missed call I've got on my phone!

"I was surprised but delighted to hear he was a Villa fan, although I heard he liked the club because of its strange-sounding name.

"I know you can get people who will come out of the woodwork. But for someone to take a genuine interest is brilliant.

"I hope he can come over some time. Arsenal have got Kevin Costner but we want the best - and we've got him!"

Villa welfare and liaison officer Lorna McClelland was in London for the film premiere and managed to grab a chat with Hanks.

She said: "I was made up with Tom. He seemed delighted when I told him I was from Aston Villa.

"He told me he was a supporter and when I offered him the chance to come up to watch us, he said he would love to - when he gets a chance.

"He also commented on how well the team was doing in the Premier League at the moment."