Antonio Luna out to shine as Aston Villa's star man

Aston Villa ace Antonio Luna today insisted he is ready to star in the Premier League and eclipse his summer form.

The left-back reckons his style will suit the top flight as he looks to become one of the claret and blues' stellar men.

The £2m summer signing from Sevilla has impressed during pre-season and Luna said he can thrive in the Premier League.

"I feel I have the characteristics to play here," he said, ahead of tonight's friendly at Walsall.

"I think I have good athletic abilities – I am quick as a player and that is important in a division like the Premier League. But I believe it's good for me.

"Training has helped massively too, it is very intense and great fun.

"All the ball work is intense but it's really, really enjoyable. It's so, so fun.

"Football here in England is very quick, very rapid. It's a complicated league.

"For my own view, regarding my skills, it's great that this league is fast.

"I still need to adapt to things, of course, and feel I am all the time."

Luna will compete with Joe Bennett for the left-back spot with the former Middlesbrough man needing support after a difficult first season.

They play Shamrock Rovers and Malaga before the big kick off at Arsenal on August 17 and Luna insisted they will be ready.

"The games have certainly helped the progress of the team and me as an individual," he said.

"The matches have been good for us, definitely. It is good preparation.

"In particular, I enjoyed the games when we were in Germany.

"All these games will serve us well for the start of the Premier League season.

"It is close now and I am really excited about that. I can't wait because it's a new experience for me.

"It's one of the best leagues in the world and I can't wait for the season to begin."

The 22-year-old has already made an impact with fans who have nicknamed him Tony Moon, the English version of his name.

He added: "I know all about the name Tony Moon. I really, really like that. I love it. It's good fun. Well done to the fans on coming up with that.

"I am so pleased about it, really delighted. I am happy to be called Tony Moon here at Villa."