The pair played together at Reading before Sidwell moved to Chelsea last summer, but the midfielder found first-team chances hard to come by at Stamford Bridge and signed for Villa earlier in the summer.

He was reunited with Shorey this week as the England left-back completed his move from Reading to Villa Park.

Sidwell said: "It's a fantastic signing. He's a great lad and a fantastic footballer. Technically he's one of the best footballers I've ever played with and considering I've been at Chelsea as well, he's up there with the best of them.

"He's a great addition to the squad. We need competition and cover in those positions and he's a great new signing. He's got great delivery on set-pieces. He gets up and down. He's a good defender and he's a great addition.

"I've been on at the gaffer about bringing him here and finally he's done it. The boss said to me that if it doesn't work out, I'm the one getting the sack!"