Charlie Ward

Former England U16 international Charlie Ward has already made a big impression at club and international level.

He began 2011-12 with a flourish by scoring in Villa's 2-1 win over Newcastle in the second game of the Barclays Premier Academy League campaign.

The midfielder was on target again in a 3-2 defeat by Charlton Athletic and in a 3-2 success over Watford.

As well as being a regular in the U18 team, he made on substitute appearance in the NextGen Series in the defeat to Rosenborg in Trondheim.

Ward was a key member of Villa's talented U16 squad during the 2010-11 campaign.

He also earned international honours by earning a call-up to represent England U16s at the Nordic Tournament in July 2011.

Ward's passing and link-up play are seen as his key qualities.

His footballing hero is Barcelona and Spain midfield maestro Xavi.