Brett Holman rubbing shoulders with stars

Brett Holman today admitted the chance to play alongside star names like Darren Bent every week helped persuade him to leave AZ Alkmaar for Villa.

The 28-year-old midfielder is the club's first signing of the summer having joined on a Bosman transfer after a decade in Holland with Feyenoord, Excelsior, NEC Nijmegen and AZ.

And the Australia international revealed the opportunity to work every day with players of the calibre of Bent made Villa such an attractive prospect.

"I'm so happy to be here. It's a dream come true to be a Premier League player," said Holman, who has been capped 53 times by the Socceroos.

"To have that opportunity at a club with the history and tradition of Villa is fantastic. I am so excited and can't wait to get started.

"There are big names here. I was more than aware of the quality players at Villa, even though I've obviously come from the Eredivisie in Holland.

"Just look at Darren Bent, who's a top-quality goalscorer and a proven England international. It's certainly exciting times. I can't wait to get involved, meet the guys and get stuck into life at Villa."

Holman was named Australia PFA player of the year earlier this week.