By Paul Brown

Ashley Westwood admits it was exciting being part of the deadline day drama - but now is the time to get his head down and concentrate on football with Villa.

Westwood, who signed from Crewe in the closing hours on Friday, says it was surreal to be travelling down on the M6 and hearing his name discussed in regards the move to B6.

But he was thrilled to be part of the drama. Now, however, drama is the last thing on his mind as he aims to follow the ethos of hero Michael Carrick and let his football do the talking.

He said: "Being part of the deadline day drama is not something I'm used to coming from little Crewe as an academy lad moving up through the ranks.

"It was an exciting day. It's a massive club I've joined. I wanted it done nice and quickly and now I can settle down to my football.

"It didn't feel real. I went home and got some sleep. But the day was hectic.

"It happened so quick. All of a sudden I'm travelling on the motorway and hearing it on the radio.

"You don't expect it to be you. But it was something I was pleased to be part of.

"But I'll push on now and concentrate on my football.

"I want to settle in quickly and hit the ground running. I am looking forward to the challenge, that's what being a footballer is all about, progressing and setting yourself different targets. I'm on that track now.

"I have been waiting a long time for this. I feel I did my time at Crewe and now was the right time to move on and give myself a new challenge."

Westwood admits he was thrilled when Paul Lambert spoke to him on his arrival at Bodymoor Heath to map out his vision of the future.

The talented central midfielder wants to be part of it, big time.

He added: "As soon as I got here, I went into the manager's office to speak to him and he said he was looking at younger lads to step up to take us to the next level. I very much want to be part of that.

"Obviously Crewe is known for passing philosophies and that's something the new manager here spoke to me about - keeping the ball and keeping the moves going. That's something I'm looking forward to."

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