Villa's Lowton: Jags My Role Model

Lowton says fellow ex-Blade Jagielka is an inspiration.

Aston Villa defender Matt Lowton wants to follow in the footsteps of Everton star Phil Jagielka.

The two ex-Sheffield United academy players could be in opposition on Saturday when Lowton's Villa side host the Blues.

The full-back switched to Villa Park from the Blades in the summer and started their first Premier League game of the season.

He has observed Jagielka's Everton-fostered transition into an international quality defender and wants to emulate that progression.

"I was a young player when Phil Jagielka was at Sheffield United," said Lowton.

"I never played with him as such, but I did play against him in the Carling Cup last season (when Everton won 3-1).

"I spoke to him before and after the game and got his shirt as well. 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!"

Jagielka was a key man at Sheffield United prior to his Everton switch

Lowton revealed that in his formative days in Yorkshire Jagielka was widely regarded as the ideal role model.

"Obviously I saw him day in, day out at Sheffield United," added Lowton.

"He was fantastic with me and all of the young lads and was always someone you could talk to.

"He was definitely someone I looked up to and watched his progress from Sheffield United to Everton and also with England.

"Phil was always a player one of the coaches or the manager would tell you to watch.

"They would say ‘if you want to pick a role model then look at someone like Jags'."