Ciaran Clark admits he is keen to emulate Martin Laursen after the former Villa man singled out the youngster for praise.

Laursen spoke in glowing terms of Clark’s performances having been particularly impressed with the Ireland international’s versatility and eye for goal.

And Clark returned the compliment by lauding Laursen as a professional he looked up to as a youngster making his way through the club’s youth system.

“Martin was a great player and a top defender — he was just a fantastic centre-back,” said Clark.

“He was a massive influence on me when I was a young lad coming through the ranks. I used to watch him from the stands as a reserve player and he was superb.

“As well as being an all-action defender he was a real leader. He had a never-say-die attitude and a winning mentality — they are traits to look up to and admire.

“He could defend strongly and he was one of the best headers of the ball I’ve seen.

“To hear him now praising me, saying I’m doing well and that he thinks I am a good prospect is tremendous. It really gives me a boost of confidence.”

Clark continued: “I’ve been happy with my progress this season and to hear someone like Martin say he’s been impressed gives me a real boost.

“He captained Villa, played in the World Cup for Denmark and won Serie A and the Champions League with AC Milan, so there can be no greater compliment.”

Meanwhile, Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov believes that Clark’s team-mate Nathan Baker could also go on to become a first-team regular.

Baker is eligible to face Blackburn on Saturday after serving a three-match ban and Petrov has predicted a bright future in the game for the youngster.

“I was really delighted to see Nathan make his debut at Wigan. It was great for him,” said Petrov.

“He has been training with us for a while, so it came as no real surprise when he slotted in so effortlessly after Ciaran was ruled out by a hamstring problem.

“Like Ciaran, Nathan is a versatile player and proved he can perform just as well at full-back as in his preferred central defensive role.

“It’s a pity his second appearance was marred by a red card against Blackburn but I’m sure he will learn from that and continue to follow in the footsteps of our other youngsters.”
who have forced their way into the first team this season.

“It really is encouraging to see our young lads doing so well.”