Aston Villa haven't had the start they would have hoped for this season and currently find themselves languishing in 18th place in the Sky Bet Championship table.
New boss Roberto Di Matteo will be keen to see things improve over the coming weeks or could find himself coming under increasing pressure at Villa Park, as the club chase automatic promotion straight back to the top tier.
Di Matteo has been reluctant to blood youth players into the team so far this season but he does have a talented pool of young players that should be in his thoughts who would add hunger, desire and passion into the first team which you could argue is something that has been lacking in the early stages of the season.
Young players often play with a no fear attitude that cannot be replicated and creates exciting attacking football that keeps the fans on the edge of their seats.
This article takes a look at THREE hidden gems that are currently at the club.....
Andre Green
First comes exciting prospect Andre Green, towards the end of last season when Villa’s relegation was already confirmed Green was given his first team debut when he came on for the remaining 30 minutes of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, and in doing so, he became Villa’s fourth youngest ever player to represent Villa in the Premier League.
The 18-year old jet-heeled winger is rated highly by all at Villa Park and is seen as a star of the future.
He is a player with a great deal of flair and is a very exciting talent who can do something out of the ordinary to bamboozle defenders.
The young man has made THREE Championship appearances so far this campaign, and will be looking to force his way into the starting 11 and become a regular fixture in the team.
Jordan Lyden
The next hot prospect on Villa’s books is Australian under 20 international Jordan Lyden, Jordan has represented Villa 5 times since joining the club with his debut coming in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup against Wycombe Wanderers.
His first start then came a ten days later in the replay against Wycombe where he started at right back, not his usual position, but this game ended in a 2-0 victory for Villa.
Lyden’s natural position is a central midfielder although he is versatile and can fill a number of other roles if needed.
He his seen as a future star for both Villa and Australia for whom he has been capped twice at Under 20 level.
Lyden will be looking to force his way into new boss Roberto Di Matteo’s plans after the recent drop down in divisions.
Rushian Hepburn-Muprhy
At the age of 16 years and 176 days, he became the second youngest player in the club's history when coming on as a substitute for the last seven minutes in place of Christian Benteke, in the 4–0 away victory at Sunderland on the 14th March 2015.
Hepburn-Murphy is considered as one of the brightest young talents of his age and has already caught the eye at international level, having been capped for England at under 16, 17 and 18 level.
He is known for his blistering pace, clinical finishing and smart footballing brain which has led to him being a prolific goalscorer for Villa’s youth side.
After the drop down in divisions he will be hoping for more chances to arise allowing him to add to his current tally of 2 senior Villa appearances.