Aston Villa academy boss Tony McAndrew believes James Collins has a big chance of a senior breakthrough next season.
He told the Villa website: "James is a big influence on the team. When James plays well we generally play well.
"He's very important to the side and he's been in a good vein of form. It's important for him as well because there is a lot of competition at the club with strikers.
"James is a different kind of striker to the other young lads we've got, but what he does do is score goals.
"He hasn't got blistering pace but he's got ability. He holds the ball up well, he's a good target, his work ethic is absolutely fantastic and he never lets centre halves have a minute's rest. To a point you could say he is a bit old fashioned.
"I have a lot of time for James. He works hard and if he keeps working hard he'll be fine."