Samir Carruthers is delighted he quit Arsenal for Aston Villa as a junior.

The former Arsenal U16s skipper hasn't looked back since, charging through the gears to impress for the youth, reserve and now the senior side.

Carruthers told Villa's website: "I just didn't feel like I was ever a favourite at Arsenal and people were always put in front of me.

"It was a good club to come up through. Everyone asks me why I left and say it's crazy but at the end of the day look where I am now. I'd got people in front of me and I hardly ever felt like I was getting a chance there. I don't think I'd have been anywhere near a debut if I'd have stayed at Arsenal.

"I had a week's trial at Villa, they seemed to like what they saw and from there it went on. Before I came I didn't really know too much about Villa, but when I arrived and saw the facilities I was very impressed.

"At Arsenal, at London Colney, the facilities there are good. I've been to Fulham and other places too, but Villa had the best facilities and made me feel the most at home.

"It's a family club, so I really wanted to come here, my heart was set on it and I've got no regrets."