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Ben Swift isn't a name many Aston Villa fans will be familiar with - but soon he could be a big part of the club's future.

The 17-year-old defender signed pro-terms with the club last week and has been tipped to be the new John Terry by a man who knows him better than most.

His former Maidstone academy boss Jack Parkinson says he will be a Premier League star of the future and likens him to the Chelsea legend.

He told Kent Online : "He's got a long way to go but with the help of the coaching team up there, I've got a feeling he'll play for the first team.

"Watching him, he reminds me of John Terry in the way he throws himself in the way of shots.

"It doesn't matter what part of his body it hits - his head, his backside, his knee - he just wants to stop the ball.

"He's an out-and-out defender and I've not seen many with his heart and desire at that age for a long time.

"If he can do a little bit of work on his feet and his distribution I think he'll make it because he's good in the air and a good size."

For the time being Swift has signed a six-month contract and has a chance to impress in the U21 set-up.