Manager O'Neill backs new signing Sidwell to push Aston Villa up the table

Sidwell will formally become a Villa player once he has passed a medical before flying out to join the squad for their pre-season tour of Switzerland.  

He came to O'Neill's attention in his very first match as Villa manager against Reading two years ago and has been one of his main summer targets.  

Scroll down for more

Potential: Sidwell has been backed to push Villa on when the season starts

Sidwell moved to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer 12 months ago but struggled to hold down a regular first team spot.  

Now the 25-year-old will be looking to rebuild his career under O'Neill as a replacement for Liverpool bound Gareth Barry.  

O'Neill said: 'Steve actually played for Reading in my first match at Villa Park. You always take note of players who do well against you and he stuck in my mind.

'However, I was less happy to see him do well again when we played at Reading that same season. He scored the second goal against us that day. But, again, the quality of his performance stayed with me.  

'It was shortly after that he earned his move to Chelsea. Now, for whatever reason, it did not work out for him at Stamford Bridge. It's not my job to go into that, really.

'However, he is of the right age, and I believe the right quality, to take Aston Villa forward. He remains hungry to do well and to prove himself and I'm delighted to have him with us.'  

Sidwell played a major part in Reading establishing themselves in the Barclays Premier League two years ago before moving to Stamford Bridge last summer.  

The former Arsenal trainee, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City, had limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho and then Avram Grant as Chelsea narrowly missed out on Premier League and Champions League glory.  

His arrival at Villa will offset some of the disappointment surrounding the club regarding the expected departure of Gareth Barry to Liverpool.  

Sidwell was part of the Arsenal side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2000 and 2001 and had loan spells with Brentford and Brighton.  

He was unable to force his way into the first team with the Gunners and moved to Reading in January 2003 on a four and a half year deal.  

Sidwell played a big role in Reading gaining promotion to the Premier League for the first time, but he rejected a new contract that summer and left the Royals to move to Chelsea.