Rookies join Aston Villa ranks

Lyden, a 16-year-old who can play across the back four and in midfield, and Strain, also 16, a striker who became a naturalised Australian after emigrating from England to Adelaide nearly five years ago, are both part of Villa's Under-19 academy side which competes in the NextGen series.

And both are thriving as they seek to follow Herd, who played for the same ECU Joondalup club as Lyden in Perth, into the senior ranks at a club whose youth academy is gaining renown.

Villa thinks so highly of Lyden that it has signed him to a three-year contract, two years on a scholarship program and one as a full professional, as he seeks to turn his dreams of playing in the Premier League into a reality.

Lyden, who played as a right back in a draw with Celtic last week in the NextGen series, is determined to eventually follow Herd and Holman top the top.

"I know Chris from Western Australia and he's been a massive help to me," he said of the player spawned from the same talent incubator which hatched Herd, Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams and Millwall's Shane Lowry, among many others.

"I know his dad (Willie) as well from the days at Joondalup and Chris been advising me all along the way and it’s great to see him back in the first team now.

"Vila's academy is second to none really and this is to the club to be for a kid trying to make it in the game. Tom feels the same and is doing really well, so we both have high hopes."

With his versatility, Lyden sees comparisons between himself and 23-year-old Herd, currently playing at centre back for Villa but utilised in the past as a right back and a holding midfielder.

"You could say we are similar types of players and he is really a great role model for me and a great athlete," he said of Herd.

"I haven't really got to know Brett (Holman) yet but I am sure I will. The fans have taken to him and the boss (Paul Lambert) is also very complimentary about what he has brought to the club."

Lyden's aspirations are simple.

"I love the game and just want to keep developing and play for Villa at the top level. It's a great club and I am learning so much by being here."

He may also be about to launch his national team career, after recent discussions with Australia's Under-17 coach Alistair Edwards.

"We've spoken a couple of times and he seems quite interested, so I'll have to wait and see," he said.

Lyden's father Kevin, currently in Australia to oversee his son's progress, is English.

But Jordan has no conflict of interest, as he was born and raised in Australia.

"Australia is my country and I'd love to play for them one day," he explained.