A dynamic and energetic central midfielder, Chris Herd impressed Villa's staff with his willingness to travel half way around the world to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

He arrived, along with Shane Lowry, in February 2005 and has shown a typically Australian resolve to forge a successful career in English football, graduating from the Academy set-up to become a regular reserve player.

Unfortunately, he missed a sizeable period of last season through an injury which restricted him to just seven Premier Reserve League appearances, although he was on the subs bench for the UEFA Cup game away to Hamburg SV in December.