'Top-level' - Exclusive: Paul Robinson lauds 'Outstanding' Villa ace impressing amid struggles

Paul Robinson has lauded Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton for his performances during the club's poor run of form.

The former Tottenham and England star, speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, says it is the earmark of a quality player when they can perform at a high level despite the team's overall struggles.

Heaton was on top form to help Dean Smith's men to a 1-0 win over Norwich on Boxing Day, although he was unable to keep Watford at bay in a 3-0 defeat on Saturday afternoon.

With the Villans languishing in the relegation zone heading into 2020, Robinson says Heaton's performances have been of Premier League quality despite their current standing.

"Tom is an outstanding goalkeeper, I rate Tom very, very highly," Robinson told Football Insider.

"I think it was a very astute signing getting him at the beginning of the season because of his experience at that level, his experience of keeping teams in the Premier League and he's an all-round very, very good goalkeeper.

"He's got such a calming influence on the pitch and off the pitch as well and when you've got somebody like Tom in goal around you, it puts the defence at ease.

"Okay, he's been playing in a team that's been struggling but I think his performances have still been at a top-level.

"That's a real earmark of a good player, when his performances are still at a good level when the team is struggling - especially as a goalkeeper."

Heaton has played in all but one of the Villans' league games this season, injury forcing him out of the 2-1 defeat to Wolves back in November.

He has a total of 115 Premier League and 185 Championship appearances under his belt, as well as three caps for England.

In other Aston Villa news, Darren Bent has ripped into a "rash" player who started the defeat to Watford.