Bree setting his sights on quick impact

NEW signing James Bree has set his sights on an early Aston Villa debut after completing his move from Barnsley.

The right-back, who signed for around £2million on Wednesday, has just under a week to get used to his new surroundings before a potential debut at Brentford.

Villa play the Bees next Tuesday and 19-year-old Bree, who has signed as four-and-ahalf-year deal, said: “Hopefully I can make my debut at Brentford. I’ve got time to settle in and get used to the environment first.

“I don’t know any of the lads but it will be good to meet them all.’’

Bree explained how meeting Villa boss Steve Bruce convinced him to leave Barnsley after five years with the club.

“The prospect of working under Steve Bruce was influential, a big factor,’’ he revealed.

“He’s a really nice guy and well thought of everywhere.

“When I met him I knew he was a manager I wanted to work under straight away.

“Villa is a massive club and belongs in the Premier League. Pushing for promotion is definitely the first thing I want to help the team do.”

So what can the Villa fans expect from Bree?

“Someone who likes to get forward with the ball, I’m comfortable on the ball and I’m solid at the back if I need to be,’’ said the Wakefield-born player.

“I used to be a midfielder when I was younger but I’m mostly a right-back. I’m also a big team player.

“There are people here who have been in the game a long time, such as Mile Jedinak and James Chester. They’ll definitely be able to help me along the way.”

What about the comparison with former Barnsley man and England and Manchester City star John Stones?

“It’s an honour with what Stonesy has gone on to do but I take it with a pinch of salt,’’ added Bree.

“I will keep my head down and try to keep going.”