Birmingham Mail: Paul Lambert believes Villa's tour of the States has been a worthwhile experience - but hinted they won't go quite as far afield next summer. Villa will complete a demanding nine days when they land in England this afternoon after clocking up around 14,000 miles during the gruelling trip.

Birmingham Mail: Samir Carruthers reckons his Portland chainsaw master-class will help him cope with whatever atmospheres football can throw at him back home. Stepping up to take the decisive penalty in a shoot-out on opposition territory is tough enough for a teenager, even during a friendly. But to keep his composure while chainsaw-wielding manic mascot Timber Joey was revving a power tool at him was particularly impressive.

Birmingham Mail: He's one of Villa's best-known fans - and now Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks has finally seen his boys in action. The Oscar-winning actor took in the pre-season friendly against US outfit Portland Timbers in the early hours of yesterday.

Birmingham Mail: Hollywood legend Tom Hanks was gripped as Villa scripted a thrilling climax to their American tour with a penalty shootout victory over Portland Timbers. All eyes were on the Hollywood megastar as Hanks chose Villa's friendly against the MLS club to watch the claret and blues in action for the first time.

Birmingham Mail: Have you got any advice for playing Forest next week, Mr Hanks? When Paul met Tom is a farfetched plot Hollywood would be proud of. But Villa's manager was delighted to roll out the red carpet for the megastar supporter in Portland.

The Sun: Paul Lambert bid farewell to the USA yesterday and declared: Hanks for the memories! But it is unlikely the wear Villa boss will be clocking up as many air miles next pre-season.

Daily Star: Reading star Jem Karacan's contract talks have stalled. Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham, along with Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, are monitoring the situation.

Daily Star: Hollywood star Tom Hanks won't be Sleepless in Seattle any longer after achieving a lifetime dream - watching Aston Villa. Now the Tinseltown legend Hanks, 56, says he cannot wait to get to Villa Park to see his favourite team again.

*The extracts on this page are taken from various newspapers and media outlets. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aston Villa.