Alex McLeish is expecting Marc Albrighton to build on the impressive foundations he put down last season.
McLeish believes winger will continue to excite in 2011/12
Alex McLeish is expecting Marc Albrighton to build on the impressive foundations he put down last season.
The Villa Park academy graduate forced his way into the first-team picture on a regular basis in 2010/11.
His direct running down the right flank saw him catch the eye, with England U21 coach Stuart Pearce among those to have been impressed by the winger's progress.
Ensuring he maintains those high standards will be his target this term, with Premier League defenders now fully aware of what he is capable of.
New Villa boss McLeish is tipping Albrighton to shine, though, with the 21-year-old not the kind of player to rest on his laurels and accept that he has made it.
He said: "From what I've seen there is no sign of Marc falling off from last season.
Attitude
"He has a great attitude and he is the kind of player you like to have at a club.
"He never moans about anything. He gets his head down and gets on his game."
While McLeish will be keeping tabs on Albrighton's progress this season, he is also aware that all eyes will be on him when Villa stage their opening home game of the season on Saturday.
Blackburn will provide the opposition for his first Villa Park clash and the Scot insists he will do all he can to ensure that the expectations of the club's supporters are matched.
He added: "The staff have been fantastic and really supportive and they are all striving hard for the good of Aston Villa and I am sure that the fans will show their support.
"They love the club and long after Alex McLeish has gone they will continue to love the club.
Success
"They will want success and I am no stranger to this situation. When I was at Rangers the expectation was to win every game.
"I know the expectations of the Villa are high and I know the Barclays Premier League is different from the Scottish league.
"We have a home game against Blackburn but every game can be very tough.
"The onus is on us to get the fans on their feet by showing some creativity and imagination from my players.
"I will be looking for the players to get more into the forward areas. I expect to see that against Blackburn.
"We will be looking for Charles N'Zogbia to produce his very best in every game and also provide a service for Darren Bent."
