Aston Villa midfielder Tom Cleverley has heaped praise on teammate Fabian Delph, insisting that he is an example for all young players to follow.

Delph's form this season earned him a maiden call-up to Roy Hodgson's England squad in August, and the 25-year-old now has three caps for his country.

Cleverley, who is on loan from Manchester United, believes that Delph has all of the qualities to be a "top, top" player, including the drive to be the best that he can be.

"Fabian is a fantastic athlete. He's good on the ball. He's got everything it takes in his game to be a top, top midfielder. But what impresses me more than all that skill and quality is his attitude. He is a top, top pro. He works tremendously hard. He's always first in the door - and the last to leave," Cleverley told Villa's official website.

"It doesn't shock me in the slightest to see someone with his mentality getting the rewards. It's no surprise. It's a life lesson really - about working hard and striving to be the best you can be. He can definitely inspire the young lads coming through. He's a real example for anyone wanting a role model in football.

"They should look at how hard he grafts every day and think 'that's what you need to do to be a professional footballer'. I have the greatest respect for him. Fabian is a real leader out there. He's a ready-made captain. He's vocal but he leads by example too with his driving performances from midfield. I really enjoy playing with him in there, along with [Ashley Westwood] and [Carlos Sanchez]."

Villa, who currently sit one place above the relegation zone, face fellow strugglers Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.