Jordan Lyden

Jordan Lyden has followed in the footsteps of Chris Herd, Shane Lowry and Reece Caira by becoming the latest Australian to join Villa's academy.

He and fellow first year scholar Thomas Strain are the club's newest boys from Down Under.

The Perth-born defender has been on Villa's radar since the age of 11.

Lyden, who can operate in defence or midfield, was promoted to the club's U18 squad towards the end of 2011-12.