Lowton eyes Prem debut

Matthew Lowton: Villa defender determined not to miss out on opener

Aston Villa youngster Matthew Lowton has played down concerns he could miss the season's opener against West Ham with an ankle injury.

The 23-year-old sat out their friendly game against Werder Bremen in Germany after picking up a knock in training.

Paul Lambert opted not to risk the right-back, who could become the club's first choice in that position; after Alan Hutton was informed he is now surplus to requirements at Villa.

Precaution

Lowton joined the club from Sheffield United this summer and has no intention of missing his first taste of Premier League action.

"I took a knock in training on Friday so the manager said just as a precaution to sit that one out," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"But I'm back in training now so everything's fine. It was my ankle and it just had a bit of swelling on it, but I just sat it out so it didn't get any worse.

Excited

"I'm definitely excited ahead of Saturday and it will be great, if selected."

He added: "Hopefully I'll be involved in the squad at least going down there.

"With it being a Premier League game the atmosphere will be electric down there at West Ham so, fingers crossed, I can start and we can get a good result."