Earlier this week, the 27-year-old Australian agreed to join Villa when his contract with Dutch leaders AZ Alkmaar expires at the end of this season.

Holman, who has been in the Netherlands since 2002, will try his luck with a new challenge in the Premier League and his future team-mate Bannan told the Birmingham Mail the competition for spots he'll bring is good.

“I think it’s a good signing and I think Brett will contribute a lot to the experience and quality of the squad,” Bannan said.

“The gaffer clearly thinks he is a player who will add something and that’s going to keep everyone on their toes. That’s what competition does and it’s healthy."

Holman, who played in the Uefa Champions League with 2009 Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar, boosted his profile with two goals at the 2010 World Cup. Bannan said that experience made him a quality signing.

“The fact he’s played in the Champions League and at a World Cup underlines his quality and at 27 years old he will be at the peak of his game," he said.

“AZ Alkmaar are competing for the Dutch title again and he’ll be arriving on a high if they can win another championship. He wants to come to the Premier League after a decade in Holland and that’s a sign of his ambition.

“I’m sure he has a good, settled life there but he wants to come here to face a fresh challenge, which is great. A new signing coming in gives supporters a lift too.”

Bannan also revealed Holman had visited Villa's Bodymoor Heath and met some of the squad.

He added: “He’s very eager to come and play here and he will have that winning mentality which all Australian sports people seem to have.”