Sorenson excited by Villa challenge

Thomas Sorensen is looking forward to finally getting back between the goalposts after completing his move to Aston Villa.

The Denmark international could make his debut against Leeds in Dublin later today following his protracted transfer from Sunderland.

The two clubs agreed a fee of £2.25m (€3.2m) some time ago, but the goalkeeper’s switch was delayed as the Dane held out for a loyalty payment he believed he was due after Sunderland tied him up in a big-money contract.

However, that was eventually ironed out and the 27-year-old yesterday put pen to paper on a three-year deal after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms with the midlanders.

“I’m just glad to be here at last,” Sorensen told www.avfc.co.uk. “I’m really looking forward to it. This is a big move for me. I had five very good seasons at Sunderland and that’s why I’m here.

“It has all been a bit hectic, but I’m just glad that I’m here in time to get a few games in before the season starts.

“It would have been much harder going straight into the Premiership season with no games, but now I can get to know the players and be better prepared for the start of the season.”

Sorensen, who will link up with his former Sunderland team-mate Gavin McCann at Villa Park, added: “I was looking for a new challenge and I always thought - even in my days back in Denmark – that Aston Villa was a good club. Now I’m very happy to be joining.

“It was very important for me to remain in the Premiership. I feel I belong at the highest level.

“Obviously it was sad what happened at Sunderland, but I’m looking to improve all the time and I needed to be playing on a bigger stage. So I’m just happy that this has come along.

“I think there’s a very, very talented squad here and a good manager.”

David O’Leary will be without England striker Darius Vassell for the Dublin tournament, which will see the Irishman come face to face with his former club Leeds and then either Shelbourne or St Patrick’s tomorrow.

Vassell suffered an ankle injury in Tuesday’s friendly win at Scunthorpe, but is expected to be fit for next Saturday’s Barclaycard Premiership opener at Portsmouth.