Maidstone United academy defender Ben Swift is going on trial with Premier League giants Aston Villa.

The teenager will train with Villa on Thursday and Friday and is set to feature in an under-18s game against Leicester City on Saturday.

Centre-half Swift said: "It's nice to be given an opportunity.

"I was surprised when I found out but I feel ready for it and it'll be a good experience at a big club.

"It's always been one of my dreams to be a professional footballer."

Stones academy boss Jack Parkinson revealed Villa have been monitoring Swift for a while.

Parkinson said: "They've been tracking his progress over the last six weeks and have watched a few games.

"They have a scout who works locally who I've known for years and he likes what he's seen.

"I told Ben a few weeks ago that Villa were having a little look but I kept quiet as things got more serious because he's a young lad and I didn't want him to get nervous if he knew they were watching him.

"This is a great opportunity for Ben to test himself against youth internationals at a Premier League club.

"He's been outstanding for us this year and now can he make the step up?

"He's dominant in the air, his positioning is very good and he's strong and fearless in the tackle."