Martin O'Neill's praise for Marlon

Jan 22 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill heaped praise on Marlon Harewood after his summer capture from West Ham lit up Villa as a second-half substitute and helped inspire their 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Harewood notched his second league goal of the season and troubled the Reds with his direct running after replacing Craig Gardner with 24 minutes remaining.

It was the striker's longest period on the pitch in a league game for Villa.

"I'm delighted," said the Villa boss.

"It's been a frustrating time for Marlon because the players in his position have been playing exceptionally well.

"In Gabby Agbonlahor you are talking about a player on the threshold of playing for his country. John Carew has played well alongside him and before that Luke Moore had come in.

"Marlon has had to battle through all of that so naturally he has got a bit down, but in training sessions he is still perky and wants to have a go.

"I thought he did brilliantly when he came on last night.

"He's waited a long time for his chance. It's been a frustrating time for him - he came here to battle for a position. But he's gone on, got a goal and I thought he made a big difference when he came on."

O'Neill admitted the hip injury which forced Gareth Barry to miss the game had come as a huge blow.

"Being without Gareth Barry was a big loss because he has been playing so well," said O'Neill.

"We can't afford a couple of players going out of the side at the moment because we haven't got the strength in depth.

"That's something we have to address and, if we can, do something about it in the January transfer window."