Joe Bennett

LATEST NEWS

Joe Bennett made his eighth consecutive start in the 2-1 win at Norwich.

The left-back will be hoping to continue that run against Chelsea.

WHAT HE SAID

When I first heard about the move a lot of things ran through my head. There was excitement and nerves and most of all a real buzz about the prospect of coming to Villa and playing in the Premier League.

WHAT OTHERS SAID

Marc Albrighton: Joe is a top lad and a really great footballer. His feet are unbelievable. I think he will do really well for us.

Paul Lambert: Joe's energy levels are really high and he can get up and down the pitch really well, which will be important for the team and important in terms of how we want to play as a team

MINI PROFILE

Villa snapped up skilful full-back Joe Bennett from Middlesbrough in the final week of the 2012 summer transfer window.

The England U21 defender became the club's fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Brett Holman, Karim El Ahmadi, Matthew Lowton and Ron Vlaar.

Rochdale-born defender Bennett emerged through Boro's academy ranks and earned rave reviews after breaking into the first team in 2009.

Bennett, who has played at left-back and left midfield, signed a professional contract with the Teessiders in 2008-09 after impressing in their academy setup.

His excellent progress that season led to several appearances on the bench before finally being handed his Barclays Premier League debut against West Ham in the final game of the season.

Bennett also played a leading role as England reached the final of the UEFA European U19 Championships in Ukraine.

Having waited patiently for a run in the first team at Boro, Bennett flourished under the management of Tony Mowbray.

He made 31 league appearances in 2010-11 before featuring in 41 of Boro's 46 Championship games the following season.

Bennett has three caps for England U21s. His debut for Stuart Pearce's team came against Italy in February 2011.

INTERESTING FACT

Joe Bennett made his home debut for Villa against West Brom in the big derby clash. Amazingly when he arrived at the stadium that afternoon, it represented his first visit to B6. He is also an avid user of Twitter. Follow him at @joebennett27.