INTERVIEW: Really looking forward to it

"I heard about the move on Wednesday so it has all happened quite quickly," he admitted. "There were a few other teams interested but with Graham Kavanagh being here I was drawn to coming here more than the other clubs. 

"This is my first loan spell so I'm really looking forward to it. I've been out injured for about nine months [metatarsal injury] so I'm itching to play. I've been fit for about two months now so I'm ready to get going again. Hopefully I can get a run in the team, show what I can do and score some goals as well." 

On his career so far, he said: "I started off with Evergreen United, who are my local team, and Villa scouted me from there. I was also playing with Ireland U15s and U16s so I think they watched me in some of those games as well. They obviously liked what they saw and they asked me to sign. 

"It was a great feeling to know that one of the biggest clubs in the country wanted me. I do miss home at times but Villa are a big club and it's just part of the job."

"My foot injury was frustrating because originally I was only going to be out for three months," he said. "I went home during the summer and when I got back for pre-season it still hadn't healed properly. 

"I had to have an operation and that set me back again. I'm really thankful to Villa for sticking by me during that time because I was injured during the last three months of my contract. They showed some faith in me and offered me a new deal anyway, which was fantastic. 

"They've told me to come here and enjoy my football. It's my first loan so they just want me to come here and do what I can. My job is to score goals so hopefully I can chip in with a few while I'm here. 

"Kav has told me to work hard and I'll make sure my movement is good. Hopefully the goals will come with that. As long as I'm contributing to the team then I'll be happy ... but goals are obviously my main target."

"I like to play on the shoulder of defenders and try to run in behind them," he commented. "I think I'm a good finisher and I've got a bit of pace about me. My game is all about goals and that's what I'm here to do."

"The dressing room is full of experience and it's good to come into something like that," he agreed. "I met the lads this morning and there's already a bit of banter flying around so I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into training and getting on with the job." 

"There are a few players at Villa who I look up to," he said. "Andy Weimann has been on the same path as me. He's been through all the age levels and he's scored goals for his country. We've also got Gabby Agbonlahor and Cristian Benteke who are great players to learn from. 

"I want to bring what I've learned at Villa into this now. I probably would have preferred to come in at the start of the week so I could get a full week's training under my belt but if I'm involved tomorrow then hopefully I'll get a chance to make an impact."