John Terry influence for Aston Villa star Nathan Baker

Aston Villa centre-back Nathan Baker today revealed his determination to live up to comparisons with England defender John Terry.

Terry produced a man-of-the-match display in England's quarter-final exit to Italy on penalties at Euro 2012.

And Baker, 21, confirmed the Chelsea defender is one of the players he looks to defensively in an effort to improve his own game.

"John Terry is the main inspiration and hero of mine as a player. He's a brilliant defender and leader as well as obviously being England captain for a time as well," said Baker, who is a left-footed defender like Terry.

"Playing against him for Villa last season was a big thing for me as well although I forgot to ask him for his shirt at the final whistle because everyone was so gutted after the defeat and just wanted to get off the pitch.

"Martin O'Neill was the one who first compared me to him but Chris Sutton, who was the manager of Lincoln at the time I was on loan there, said it as well."

Meanwhile, Villa were today being linked with a £4m move for Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson.