Who is Jacob Ramsey - Doncaster Rovers’ deadline day signing from Aston Villa?

Here, we take a look at the background of the attacking midfielder and highlight some of the qualities he will bring to the Rovers squad.

JACOB RAMSEY

BORN: May 28, 2001, Great Barr, Birmingham

HE COMES FROM SPORTING STOCK

Ramsey’s father Mark is a former ABA champion who had a promising start to his pro boxing career. He fought for minor WBC and IBF titles before becoming a journeyman with 66 bouts on a record that read 19 wins, six draws and 41 losses. Ramsey Snr - known as Razor - twice fought Ricky Hatton in the Hitman’s early pro career. Hatton won both on points, including one at The Dome in Doncaster. Ramsey hung up his gloves when Jacob was two but put his son through boxing drills to help with his fitness as he got into football.

AND HE IS NOT ALONE IN REPRESENTING THE FAMILY NAME

Ramsey’s two brothers are also in the academy. His brother Aaron has captained England U17s and featured for Villa U23s in their match against Rovers U23s on Wednesday in the Premier League Cup. And bringing up the rear is 12-year-old Cole who could be another one to watch in the future. The brothers’ older sister is also a talented dancer.

HE PLAYS ON THE FRONT FOOT

Ramsey has excellent footwork and close control as well as a good turn of pace as an attack-minded midfielder. He also has an eye for goal, as his record of six goals in 12 matches for Villa’s U23s this season reflects.

HE IS VERY MUCH IN THE PICTURE AT VILLA

Ramsey regularly trains with the senior squad at Villa Park and is seen as a big part of the future at the club, where he has been on the books since the age of six. He has made three senior appearances for Dean Smith’s side, following his debut off the bench in the Championship last February.

HE IS A LATE DEVELOPER

Ramsey was usually the smallest player in his age group as he progressed through the Villa academy until recently when he has grown in height and strength.

WHAT THEY SAID

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith: “I keep moving JJ up in training as often as I can to give him that experience. He’s had a bit of a growth spurt as well so we have to be mindful of that too.”

Villa academy manager Sean Kimberley: “If he continues to match his undoubted technical ability and eye for a goal with the desire and energy to reach the next level, he will have a bright future in the game.”