Steve Sidwell has hailed fellow new signing Nicky Shorey as: 'one of the best footballers I've ever played with," tipping him to be a huge Villa Park hit.

The pair were team mates at Reading and helped the Royals into the top-flight for the first time in their history.

Sidwell moved onto Chelsea last summer but has now been reunited with his close friend at Villa Park as Martin O'Neill bolsters the squad ahead of the 2008-09 campaign.

And, speaking to AVTV Online, the midfielder told www.avfc.co.uk: "It's a fantastic signing. He's a great lad and a fantastic footballer. Technically he's one of the best footballers I've ever played with and considering I've been at Chelsea as well, he's up there with the best of them.

"He's a great addition to the squad. We need competition and cover in those positions and he's a great new signing.

"He's got great delivery on set-pieces. He gets up and down. He's a good defender and he's a great addition."

Sidwell added: "I've been on at the gaffer about bringing him here and finally he's done it. The boss said to me that if it doesn't work out, I'm the one getting the sack!

"I sat with Nicky watching the game at Reading and I think after that game his mind was made up where he wanted to go. Fortunately the bid was put in and it was accepted. So he's come now and he's delighted.

"He's another one for the England manager to come and watch. He's tasted international football and he wants to get back I'm sure to playing high quality football and pushing for a place in the England team."

In addition to the Shorey deal, Villa also swooped for Middlesbrough's Luke Young this week and Sidwell concluded: "That's more great news.The squad is taking shape and the boys are now really looking forward to the season."