New Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish delighted to have ‘top player’ Darren Bent on board

EPL : Darren Bent, Aston Villa v Stoke City

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Aston Villa‘s new manager Alex McLeish is delighted to have joined a club with a striker as good as Darren Bent in its squad.

The new Villa Park boss left bitter rivals Birmingham City to join their close rivals earlier this month and has had to deal with the loss of Ashley Young, whilst trying to persuade Stewart Downing to stay.

The 52-year-old is, however, delighted to have England international Darren Bent in his squad.

He told the club’s official website that Bent is one of the “top two or three strikers in the Premier League.”

The Scot added: “People doubted him for England and he’s started to score for England.

“He’ll be scrutinised. He’s now seen as a top player and the minute he misses a chance for England or has an off game he’ll be criticised.”

McLeish stated he is looking to exert his authority over the team and hopes that some of his own principles rub off on his players.

He added: “I’ve got to impart my personality on the team – the spirit and the character.

“I can see that character in a lot of the guys that are already there.

“I want to communicate with them through individual meetings or group meetings. I won’t bombard them, but just to get the right focus for the new season.”