Enda Stevens is delighted with his move to Aston Villa.

Dublin-born Stevens had spells with UCD and St Patrick's Athletic before joining Shamrock in December 2009 and helping them to win the league title at the end of his first season.

He made his Republic Under-21 debut against Cyprus 10 months ago.

Stevens said: "It's a dream move for me, a dream come true. It was a bit surreal meeting the likes of Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland.

"They're massive names back home but they have been great in welcoming me to the club and helping me to settle in.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge and my intention is to do as well as I possibly can here. I'm really determined to do that and that's my focus.

"I have to work hard, I need to apply myself and I know I have plenty to learn.

"But I'm young and I'm hungry and this is what I'm here to do, to improve as a player, to contribute over time and to become the best player I can possibly be."

Stevens added: "Aston Villa has a reputation and a tradition of producing top-calibre young players.

"The likes of Ciaran Clark, Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan, Chris Herd, Gabby Agbonlahor all having come through the Academy and they have been important players in the team this season.

"You're learning every day in training when you play with such quality players as we have. Training is at such a high standard that it's only going to benefit me."