James Milner admits his deadline day loan move from Newcastle to Aston Villa was tinged with disappointment at missing the chance to play alongside Michael Owen.
But the teenage midfielder believes his temporary switch to Villa Park is for the best as he seeks the first team football he needs to build his promising career.
Milner jumped at the chance to move to the midlands one day after the arrival of Owen threatened to severely restrict his own starting chances in the Premiership.
"It would have been nice to play alongside Michael Owen because he is a world-class striker who has scored goals everywhere he has been," he said.
"But I am equally thrilled to be at Villa with the quality of players we have here and that is what I am concentrating on now.
"The loan move should hopefully give me some first team experience and it is great that it is at a massive club like Villa."
Milner's transition will be made easier by the arrival on the same day of his former Leeds team-mate Eirik Bakke.
Bakke expressed his delight at linking up with Milner and his former boss David O'Leary again - and getting back into the top-flight.
"James will be a great addition to the squad - he is young and lively and gives 100% in every game," the Norwegian told the club's website, www.avfc.co.uk.
"He will be good for Aston Villa. He has a great appetite and I am sure the manager will get the best out of him."
Bakke has joined Villa initially until January when further discussions are set to take place regarding his longer-term future.
He added: "Villa is a big club and it is an important season because we want to be challenging nearer the top. For me it is important get my head down and try to earn a place in the side."
