Salifou set to step up at Aston Villa

Nov 17 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has hinted at a possible swift call-up for Togo international midfielder Moustapha Salifou.

The January deadline-day signing from Swiss club FC Wil has impressed in two reserve outings for Villa.

And O'Neill has taken a big liking to his style which he admits gives Villa "something different".

After a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to work permit problems it was thought he would need much more time to get up to speed - but O'Neill has been impressed by his ability to make the grade.

"I thought he did very well last time out for the reserves - very well indeed,'' he said. "He was very comfortable with it.

"His fitness is getting better, and his attitude has been very good. He also played in that practice game we had against Birmingham City. He is doing really well now and is getting to grips with it.

"Fitness-wise you can see the difference. He looks comfortable. He may, interestingly, be a wee bit closer than I had anticipated.

"I thought he did really well against Spurs reserves. At Walsall, the pitch can be a bit bobbly, it was 'scagging' along, but I thought his control was really good.

"I thought he did really fine."

O'Neill believes Salifou will increase his options in the middle of the park as his style of play is somewhat unique.

"You could say he offers us something different, but it is not just that.

"The couple of times he broke forward at the edge of the box he shaped up as if he was going to hit it with his left foot, then checked back again. He was impressive."

Salifou has already won plenty of admirers from the supporters.

"The fans applauded him when he went off injured in that last game, and he got applauded on again when he came back on," O'Neill mused.

Another player being kept in the loop with a view to a first league start is Curtis Davies.

"I think he is becoming more assured now. I think he will do fine," O'Neill added.