Herd welcomes Holman to Villa

Brett Holman will bring a winning Aussie mentality to Aston Villa’s dressing room, full-back Chris Herd believes.

Herd knows Holman’s qualities from watching him for the Socceroos and is relishing playing alongside him for club and country.

Holman has signed a pre-contract agreement to join the claret and blues in the summer from Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar.

Herd believes Villa have acquired a quality player in the 27-year-old attacking midfielder, who operates best as a central second striker.

Holman won the Dutch title and Dutch Super Cup in his first season at AZ in 2009 and is closing in on another double as well as pursuing Europa League glory.

“Brett’s a fantastic player and he has been for a long time for Australia and also in Dutch football,” Herd told the Birmingham Mail.

“Just look at the amount of games he’s played for Australia and for AZ Alkmaar – big games, too, in the Champions League and at the World Cup.”

“He has loads of experience in European football and internationally and the fact he’s played in the biggest tournaments underlines his pedigree and quality.”

“He knows what it’s all about. He’s won things and that experience will really help us. I think he’ll be a really good addition to our squad.”

“That Aussie mindset can really help everyone. He’ll be a good person to have around and he’s the kind of player who will excite the fans.”

Herd is delighted to have another Aussie among the ranks at Bodymoor Heath, especially after compatriot and close friend Shane Lowry joined Millwall in January.

“From a personal standpoint, too, it’s great to have him in, to have another Aussie around the place,” said Herd.

“Shane was here before but now he’s gone so it will be great to have someone new in.”

“He brings a load of energy on to the pitch and that fits in with how we want to play the game.”

“I think he’s a really good signing who will do really well for Villa.”

“As a player, he’s very good with the ball and he’s quick.”

Herd, who is still waiting for his first full Australian cap after pulling out of a pre-Christmas squad through injury, is glad to be back in the Villa first team.

The 22-year-old utility’s return has helped Villa take four points from two games and he is now looking up the Premier League table.

“We feel like we’ve been playing well in games and competing strongly,” he said.

“Our aim now is definitely to push up the table as high as we can.”

“We played well against Fulham and in the end we got our just reward.”

“We know we have the players to get some wins and really push on from here, so that’s what we’re aiming for between now and the end of the season.”

“The Bolton game is one we’re looking forward to and we’ll try to secure another good result.”