Young Scot Barry Bannan was named player of he tournament as Villa won the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament for the third time in May.
Bannan helped the Claret and Blue youth beat Celtic 2-0 in the final to follow up a fine domestic campaign.
The attacking midfielder scored 13 goals as the Academy side led by Tony McAndrew won the F.A. Academy League South.
And with current first team captain Gareth Barry set to depart for Liverpool, Bannan could get his chance in the Premiershp sooner rather than later.
He has been rewarded with a new two year deal, which shows just how highly he is rated at Villa Park.
So could it be a case of one Barry out and another in?