With Aston Villa due to compete in the Championship in the upcoming season, they will no doubt need everyone possible to be on board and buy into Roberto Di Matteo's philosophies. 

Part of this will mean Di Matteo getting the best out of the whole squad, including those who often go about their business relatively unnoticed.

These players often form a key part of many squads around the world, as we have seen with some of the top teams over time, with players like Claude Makelele at Real Madrid, and Michael Carrick for Manchester United.

All teams need these sorts of players, so it will be interesting to see just how Di Matteo incorporates these players into his squad next term.

Here, FLW writer Lee Connor gives his opinion on THREE under-appreciated Aston Villa players...

Ashley Westwood

The central midfielder goes about his business quietly and was actually one of the better players for Aston Villa last season, despite relegation.

Westwood might not be the most talented player to ever grace Villa Park, but he does at least show the passion and effort required to get the fans on his side.

Di Matteo will be hoping to keep hold of the former Crewe man in the summer as Westwood should suit Championship football down to the ground.

Idrissa Gueye

There is a bit of a consensus that Gueye isn't actually a bad player, and that he just fell foul to having being part of a struggling side in his first season in England.

Gueye may well excel in the Championship, with his bustling style and ball winning skills something which could be of real value for Villa.

It will be interesting to see how he gets on, but Villa fans will be willing to give him another chance and hope he can turn into the player so many think he is capable of.

Ciaran Clark

The Irish defender is another who more or less slips under the radar for Villa, but there is no doubting he is a decent defender and actually cares for the club.

He is currently over in France representing Ireland in the Euro's, where he has helped his side progress to the last 16 of the competition.

Clark will be very useful to keep and have around the place next season due to his passion and defensive ability. He should be suited to Championship football and may well excel under Di Matteo's stewardship next term.