I'll admit that the statistics, when taken in cold isolation, don't make amazing reading.

Robert Pires arrived into a blaze of publicity after signing for Villa on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

But the mercurial midfielder only made twelve appearances - including four starts - and scored just the one goal, in an FA Cup mauling of Blackburn.

The story of his signing will probably be consigned to the archives, in the draw labelled 'Past His Best.'

But do you really think that a player of the stature of Pires didn't leave a mark with the claret and blue players?

This is the man, remember, who won the World Cup with France, two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Charity Shields with Arsenal.

He was awarded the PFA Player of the Year award in 2002 and was in the top-flight Team of the Year three seasons in a row.

Marc Albrighton is adamant that Pires had a major impact in the dressing room - and out on the training fields too.

Pires, he says, was a big personality to have around the place and was incredibly quick to dish out advice.

Albrighton, who refers to the 38-year-old by the friendly moniker Bobby, is a winger, the position where Pires carved out a remarkable reputation.

And Pires realised this affinity, singling out Albrighton for special time after training each day to give him tips and hints.

"I learnt a lot from Bobby. He was a great professional to be around," said Albrighton.

"The way he conducted himself on and off the pitch was fantastic.

"He was always giving advice to the younger lads like me. It was great to get that kind of advice from a legend like him, looking at what he's achieved in the game.

"He used to offer his words of wisdom to me. He used to say 'don't panic on the ball'.

"He taught me a lot about composure on the ball. I feel I have taken that on into my game. I owe that to Bobby.

"He chatted to me all the time. He was an open, bubbly guy and great to have around the place. He was fantastic with me.

"He definitely helped my education in football."

Albrighton certainly appreciated that time one-on-one with the French ace.

And he has a constant reminder of the influence of Pires, with a signed shirt taking pride of place above the midfielder's pool table at his home.

Even that includes words of advice!

"I was lucky enough to be given a signed shirt from Bobby before he left - one that he had worn in his time at Villa.

"That's up on my wall now. I am grateful of that. It's a great feeling going downstairs in the morning and seeing that shirt and remembering what he taught me.

"He signed it 'Best wishes. Keep up the good work.' That meant a lot. And I intend to!"

While Robert Pires was in the final stages of his career and Robbie Keane is only here for a few more weeks, Albrighton is adamant Villa's signing of top-flight "heroes" has been amazing for the younger lads in the dressing room.

"It is exciting to be able to be around the likes of Bobby and Robbie. It is brilliant. Keano is here now and the young boys look forward to training with him every day and picking up tips from him.

"On a personal level, I'm in that group."

When chatting to Albrighton I casually and comedically added: "Well Pires one season, Keane this time, how about Messi next?

Albrighton smiled and quickly threw in: "He'd probably struggle to get into our side at the minute!"

Nice touch Marc!