O`Neill backing for Delfouneso

3rd December 2008

Aston Villa are set to unleash their latest academy prospect in striker Nathan Delfouneso, with manager Martin O'Neill convinced he has the talent to make a major impact.

The likes of frontmen Darius Vassell - now with Manchester City - and Gabriel Agbonlahor have come through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath and both have gone on to play for England.

Now 17-year-old forward Delfouneso, who is still eligible for the Villa youth team, is set to play a key role in Thursday's UEFA Cup tie against Zilina at Villa Park. The absence of the injured John Carew and the likelihood of Agbonlahor being rested have opened the door for Delfouneso, who could partner Marlon Harewood with Villa needing a point to guarantee their place in the last 32 in the new year.

O'Neill said: "It will be exciting for us to see Nathan in action. I want to see what he is capable of doing. He has got an awful lot of natural ability. Obviously, the last thing you want to do is go and build someone up for the sake of it.

"But there is a lot of excitement about him and the way he plays. He is a genuine threat. He can go past players and is getting stronger and even in the last year I have seen a big difference in him.

"He already trains with the first team for 85% of the time so I don't think he will be overawed on Thursday. But, even if he doesn't get a kick in this game, I've got a lot of confidence in him for the future."