Martin O'Neill: Nathan Delfouneso is a Premier League contender for Aston Villa

Dec 5 2008 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O’Neill admits Villa’s teenage strike sensation Nathan Delfouneso is now “knocking on the door” for his first Premier League start.

Delfouneso marked his full claret and blue bow with a goal as Villa lost 2-1 to MSK Zilina but still qualified for the final 32 of the UEFA Cup last night.

And the manager insists the 17-year-old’s scoring exploits have put him in the frame to start a top flight game for Villa at some stage this season.

But O’Neill has hinted that he will still use Delfouneso sparingly in the first team and has warned him not to expect too much too soon.

“I thought he played brilliantly in the game,” said O’Neill. What a debut that was.

I think it’ll be an interesting few months ahead because he’s got great ability.

“I don’t want to put an awful lot of pressure on him. I think it’s hard to say that immediately he’ll be a Premier League contender, but I think he’s knocking on the door.

“Things might not happen for him as quickly as he would want but he’s got time and he can play.”

O’Neill delayed telling Delfouneso he was in the team until the last minute to prevent the England schoolboy star suffering from a bout of nerves.

But, after watching his rapid progress in the youth team and reserves, the manager was