Barry Bannan out to make it big with Aston Villa

Spain's World-Cup winning midfield maestros have no shortage of admirers - but Villa's Barry Bannan is a fan for more than one reason.

The diminutive Scot admits he takes inspiration from Barcelona's mini but mighty midfield pair of Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who have just helped Spain add the World Cup to their European Championship crown. At just 5ft 7in, fighting his way through to the fringes of Villa's first team has been by no means easy for the 20-year-old, who admits his height has made his progression through the footballing ranks even more difficult.

But Bannan, who is likely to be involved in tonight's Guadiana Cup opener against Feyenoord and tomorrow's Benfica clash, has taken strength from seeing the Spanish schemers excel right at the top.

"You've got to be confident in this game," said Bannan, who had a spell on loan at Premier League new-boys Blackpool last season. "Given the chance I think I'd be OK, I think I could handle it.

"I try not to get into physical battles because that's not my strength. The Premier League is more technical so it probably would be better for me (than the Championship).

"I love the Spanish team. They have a lot of small, gifted players who are unbelievable. Players like that drive me on because when I was younger I got told I had height issues and would struggle.

"If you look at them, they're some of the best midfielders in the world. When you're small you have to be far better at a lot more things. It's hard but you just have to get on with it. I'm not really bothered.

"Everyone has their own strengths. You can be big, strong and fast and have the worst touch in the world."

Despite helping Villa win the Peace Cup last pre-season, Bannan was disappointed with his own performances and he was forced to watch the likes of Marc Albrighton and Nathan Delfouneso move ahead of him in the Villa Park pecking order during the campaign.

He ended last term on loan at Blackpool, helping the Seasiders win promotion to the Premier League for the first time. This pre-season he is determined to put on a better show and hopes to force his way into Martin O'Neill's 25-man Premier League squad.

He added: "Last pre-season was quite poor from me. I had my chances and I didn't really take them. I think I did alright against Walsall and Bohemians.

"I was stuck in the reserves here and I wasn't getting on the first-team bench so to go to Blackpool and play games was brilliant for my education. Hopefully I'll get some more game time and go on from there."

While Bannan has been enjoying his time on the Algarve, there's been one thing troubling him.

He added: "It's been great out here but Scottish people can't handle the sunlight! I put factor 30 or 40 on and my nose was still red!"

And the midfielder has been sporting a secret weapon in pre-season - a balance wristband which supposedly improves balance, strength and flexibility.

They contain a Mylar hologram designed to work with the body's natural energy flow.

"It was Steve Sidwell who put me on to them, he wears one," added Bannan.