Steven Gerrard has praised the work of Aston Villa loan chief Mile Jedinak.

The former Australian midfielder, who spent three years as a player at Villa Park has rubber-stamped loan deals for the likes of Louie Barry, Finn Azaz and Viljami Sinisalo.

On Jedinak's importance, Gerrard told the Birmingham Mail: "He's been a massive player for the club and he's still got a huge role high up in the loan department.

"He makes big decisions and I work with him on a daily basis. It's great to have him at Aston Villa, he's very much respected given the career he had both domestically and on the international stage.

"He struggled against me every time he played against me but, outside of that, I've got nothing but respect for him. You can send him that quote as well!"