By Paul Brown

Ciaran Clark is hoping to be a driving force in Villa's backline this season - alongside "Rolls-Royce" defender Matt Lowton.

Paul Lambert was wowed by Lowton in his first outing against Burton, insisting the right-back didn't break sweat.

And Clark agrees that Lowton makes playing football look easy.

Clark has been thoroughly impressed with Lowton's defensive and attack-minded performances thus far in training and friendly games.

And he says the former Sheffield United man has fit right into the group at Bodymoor Heath, where morale is at an all-time high.

He said: "Matt has come in and done really well. Not only is he a top defender, he's a cracking lad too. He's joined and had no problems whatsoever settling in.

"He's only a young lad like myself and he's settled in with our group really well. He's having a laugh with us and that's helped him out.

"Playing-wise, he's so comfortable. He'll be looking to have a good season.

"He reminds me a bit of Kyle Walker. He's not frightened to get forward and get crosses in. But also he's a good defender. Not many will get past him.

"He's played centre-half too as well as right-back and I believe he's played in central midfield for Sheffield United too so he's got that versatility also.

"He'll be a big asset for Villa, no question about that."

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