Former Maidstone defender Ben Swift has landed a one-year professional contract with Premier League club Aston Villa.

Swift's short-term deal at Villa Park expires at the end of the season and the Midlands giants have wasted no time securing his services.

Stones academy manager Jack Parkinson believes the 18-year-old will follow in Manchester United defender Chris Smalling's footsteps by playing in the Premier League - and maybe even England.

But he says comparisons between the two ex-Maidstone centre-halves are unfair.

Parkinson said: "There's no rush, and I'm not putting any pressure on him, but he's got this new deal and he has all the tools to be a top centre-half.

"He's a bit behind the others where they've had an extra few years' training at Villa.

"It's up to him to make sure he finishes this season strongly, then he'll go straight into the under-21 squad next season. It's going to be a massive year for him.

"People will compare Ben with Chris Smalling but they're different players.

"I've played with Chris and he's more of ball-playing centre-half with a lot of pace, whereas Ben's more old-school, strong in the air and an out-and-out defender.

"He's under no illusions. He's got to work even harder to show everybody at Villa - and here - that he's not there to make up the numbers.

"I stick by comment that he'll play in the Premiership, if not a step further.

"Chris Smalling and Carl Jenkinson have gone on to play for England after playing in the Ryman Premier League and Conference South, so why not?"

Swift said goodbye to Maidstone after completing his academy studies at the Gallagher Stadium on Monday.

Parkinson added: "Ben genuinely is a lovely lad. He's so laid-back - there's nothing big-time about him at all.

"He's carried on coming in on Mondays and he's been no different as a person.

"I'm so pleased we could help him with his progression.

"We can give him the tools but it's down to him and what he does on the pitch.

"From the player that turned up here two years ago to the one who's at Villa now, there's been a remarkable change and massive credit to him and his family.

"He's knuckled down and worked hard for this and it shows other young lads what's possible.

"He played centre-half against Man United at Carrington on Saturday and was very good. He put in a hell of a block near the end.

"To go from the Conference Youth Alliance with us to playing Man United away in the space of a few months is a fantastic achievement."