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Tom Carroll reveals Tammy Abraham influence in his Aston Villa loan switch

New boy Tom Carroll has revealed how Tammy Abraham helped inspire his late deadline day switch to Villa.

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Midfielder Carroll became Dean Smith’s fifth and final signing of the transfer window when he joined from Swansea in a loan deal completed just three minutes before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

And it was the advice of striker Abraham, who spent last season with the Swans, which helped convince the 26-year-old to make the switch.

Carroll explained: “I know Tammy. I spoke to him about the club and he said good things.

“I had also watched Dean Smith’s teams play at Brentford and knew his philosophy. I know he likes to play good football. It was hard to say no.”

Carroll’s signing was officially announced 30 minutes past the deadline, with Villa having opted not to proceed with a move a move his Swansea team-mate, Leroy Fer.

“It maybe went under the radar a little bit,” said Carroll. “I had known about Villa’s interest for a little while but was not sure whether it was going to happen or not.

“You never know in football. You have to put it to the back of your mind. It’s a big opportunity.

“It’s a massive club. I am just looking forward to getting going, playing games and hopefully getting the club back where it belongs.”

Chelsea loan star Abraham had chosen to remain at Villa earlier in the month, despite interest from Wolves.

The 21-year-old will become the club’s first striker since Peter Withe to score 20 goals in a league season if he nets in today’s Championship game at Reading.

Boss Smith said: “Tammy is another big tick in this window. There was a lot of talk about him being recalled by Chelsea and going elsewhere.

“But he fully committed himself to Aston Villa for the rest of the season. It would be just if he actually goes and breaks that (20-goal) record.”