Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill steps up hunt for Emile Heskey

Dec 5 2008 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

every confidence in myself that I can get the goals to follow them. I have always been confident I can do the business and make a very big impact, it’s just up to the gaffer to play me.

“Hopefully it comes sooner so I can make more of an impact.

“All I have to do is relax and go and enjoy it because opportunities like this don’t come along very often, especially for people my age.

“I took my opportunity last night and the gaffer was impressed and I can move on from this.”

Delfouneso, a seasoned England youth international, turned professional in February and has been within the Villa system since he was eight.

But after banging 22 goals last term for the reserves and youths, he insists this latest success won’t go to his head.

“That’s not the type of person I am. I will stay level-headed,’’ he said. “Martin O’Neill is making sure with me, he is not rushing me and making sure that I am getting into it. But it is not just the gaffer. The rest of the players are supporting me well, and the staff and my family – everybody is making sure I stay relaxed and just go and enjoy it.”

Delfouneso enjoyed his ovation as he left the field.

He added: “It was nice from the fans. They even applauded when they announced my name before the game and I enjoyed that.

“So am I ready? Yes. And for the hype? Yes, that comes with it. You have to deal with it.”