Local boy Isaiah Osbourne continued his learning curve last season. Although he made fewer first team appearances than during his debut campaign, the Birmingham-born 21-year-old was nevertheless an important squad member.

Compared with 2006-07, when he made the starting line-up in half-a-dozen league matches, this time there was only one - the 1-1 draw at Bolton in October - although he went on as substitute in seven other games and also played in the League Cup-ties against Wrexham and Leicester City.

Shy and retiring off the pitch, Osbourne is a forceful character whenever he goes into action. He proved as much when he went on as a substitute against Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium in March, showing no signs of being overawed by the 60,000-plus crowd as he helped Villa to a 1-1 draw.

He admits he was far from comfortable when he first broke into the team but his confidence increased considerably as he adjusted to the tempo of Premier League football.