Ron Vlaar wants to emulate Paul McGrath

New Aston Villa signing Ron Vlaar has said that he is hopeful of emulating club legend Paul McGrath.

Vlaar, 27, signed a three-year deal with the Midlands club when he joined from Feyenoord for a fee in the region of £4m yesterday.

"I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of players such as Paul McGrath, Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen. All of them [have been] great players for this club," said Vlaar.

"This is a dream come true for me. With my past, I am very proud but I always look forward and this is a great opportunity. I am very happy that Villa have given me this chance. For me, I want to play a lot and improve my play and do well with the team. That's most important.

"I am 27 and I know my best years are ahead of me. I feel fit and strong and I am looking forward very much to playing my first game."

McGrath made 252 league appearances for Villa between 1989 and 1996.