Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark insists their academy is as good as Arsenal's.

Clark came through the system at Villa.

"I think we do stand up alongside Arsenal," he told the Sunday Mercury. "Even before our group that came through, there were players like Gabby Agbonlahor and players in the past like Gary Cahill and Peter Whittingham.

"There's always been young lads coming through.

"I also think we're good enough to win stuff. But we need the help from the older lads too."