Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell is excited about joining Aston Villa's young squad.

He told avfc.co.uk: "Having spoken to the manager and the chairman and listening to their views on the future, I am sure they want to push the club forward and we all collectively want to break into that top four category.

"I can't wait to work with Martin O'Neill. Everyone in football speaks very highly of him. His reputation goes before him.

"When I sat down with him, he was fantastically enthusiastic. He wants to drive the club forward and that's an exciting prospect.

"The manager is getting young, hungry players who want to push the club on and he is mixing them with experienced stars. He has a good blend and hopefully I am one of many additions this summer."

Sidwell is also impressed with O'Neill's policy of signing young home-grown players.

"We've got some fantastic English lads in the squad," he added. "Fabio Capello was here last season watching a few games and casting his eye over certain players.

"That just goes to show the talent we have here and a few of the lads broke in and got international recognition. That says a lot about the quality of the squad."