Matt won't put his shirt on a happy day for hero

Matthew Lowton got Phil Jagielka's shirt the last time he came up against him – though he's not quite sure whether he'll return the favour this weekend.

The 23-year-old defender became Villa manager Paul Lambert's second signing when he joined the claret and blues from Sheffield United for £3m in July.

While he was a youth team player coming through the ranks at Bramall Lane, Lowton revealed ex-Blades defender Jagielka was always happy to pass on words of advice to the club's youngsters.

And he was even fortunate enough to play against the Everton defender exactly a year ago at Goodison Park in a second-round League Cup tie which the Blades lost 3-1.

But Lowton conceded it feels slightly different to come up against one of his heroes with a Premier League club than with a side from League One in a cup competition.

"I was a young player when Phil was at Sheffield United," explained Lowton, who made his Villa debut against West Ham last weekend.

"I never played with him as such but I did play against him in the Carling Cup for United against Everton last year.

"I spoke to him before and after the game and got his shirt. It will be nice to come up against him on a level playing field in the Premier League. Although I'm not quite at the level where he'll be asking for my shirt yet!

"Obviously I saw him day in, day out at Sheffield United. He was fantastic with me and all of the young lads at the club and was always someone you could talk to and get advice off."

Jagielka is seven years Lowton's senior and, according to right-back, he was the consummate professional who was widely respected by everyone at the Blades before his £4m switch to Everton in 2007.

As well as coming up against one of his idols Lowton will also make his home debut against Everton.

The Chesterfield-born youngster has never played at Villa Park although he revealed he has now had a good look around the famous old ground to familiarise himself with his new surroundings.

"It's a fantastic stadium to play football," said Lowton.

"I've never been to a game here but I'm aware of the history of the place and all of the great names who have played here."

Lowton is fully aware of Villa's struggles on their own patch last season and it is something he is desperate to help change.

"There are so many positive aspects about the ground with the size and support. When we are at home we need to make the most of it."?Lowton added.