Sign up NOW for our daily Villa newsletter direct to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Young Andre Green has been Aston Villa's ‘special one’ for some time now.

He’s the teenager Tim Sherwood raved about so much that he handed him a place in the matchday squad, aged just 16.

Last season the Solihull-born wideman made his Premier League debut at 17.

And now boss Roberto Di Matteo seems to have taken a shine to Villa’s bright hopeful who is gearing up for another big week ahead.

On Tuesday, Green turns 18, a huge day in any teenager’s life.

A flavour of Nantes 0 Villa 1

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

His birthday happens to fall on the same day that Villa take on Cambridge and judging by recent performances you wouldn’t back against him featuring again.

Green is young, inexperienced and, at this stage, an unknown quantity.

That said, he’s confident, grounded and an incredible talent. He is already been linked to Premier League Spurs as other clubs wake up to his potential.

His refreshing approach to attacking football has won over Di Matteo early this summer.

Depending on new arrivals, Green will be in the thick of first-team action this term.

He’s unlikely to be far away from the starting XI even if Villa do continue to recruit in his position.

And finally, a youngster with promise is continuing to make waves in the senior set-up.

Remember, this is a player who appeared for Villa’s U18s when he was just 15.

The former Lode Heath School ace has come on leaps and bounds since then.

He’s now built like a first-team professional and will have little trouble adapting to the men’s game.

The way he glides past opponents is a joy to watch.

Unlike many who have come and gone in the past, he’s got an end product, too.

His teasing deliveries could be important with big Rudy Gestede as the focal point up front.

And if he can start chipping in with the odd goal or two himself as well then Villa really have a player on their hands.