Samir Carruthers

Age: 19

Born: London

Position: Midfielder

Left Arsenal four years ago, and made three Premier League appearances for Villa last season.

Jack Grealish

Age: 17

Born: Birmingham

Position: Winger

An exciting prospect, he rejected England's advances last year. Graduated to the Villa first-team bench last season aged just 16.

Graham Burke

Age: 19

Born: Dublin

Position: Striker

Nephew of UCD playmaker Gary Burke, made his Ireland U-21 debut last week.

Derrick Williams

Age: 20

Born: Germany

Position: Defender

Rejected Manchester United for Villa at 15 and made his Premier League debut against QPR. Out for season.

Mikey Drennan

Age: 19

Born: Kilkenny

Position: Winger/striker

Chose soccer over hurling and hasn't looked back. Out with an ankle injury.

Daniel Devine

Age: 19

Born: Dublin

Position: Defender

Since leading Villa to FA Youth Cup final in 2010, injuries have affected his progress.

Bradley Lewis

Age: 18

Born: Stourbridge, West Midlands

Position: Defender

Declared for Ireland at U-16 level, he's been involved in both of Villa's NextGen campaigns.

Mason Watkins-Clark

Age: 18

Born: Bedford

Position: Defender

Former Ipswich and Norwich lad earned first Irish cap at U-18 level last November.

Danny Crowley

Age: 15

Born: Birmingham

Position: Defender

A special talent, Crowley switched to England from Ireland this month. He can reverse that decision later in his career.

Kevin Toner

Age: 17

Born: Dublin

Position: Defender

Home Farm defender is one of Villa's newest Irish recruits.

Robin Dempsey

Age: 17

Born: Dublin

Position: Defender

Following in the footsteps of his uncle Gary Dempsey by moving cross-channel, this defender is just back from duty with the Ireland U-17s in Austria.

Irish Independent