Aston Villa's Delfouneso out to impress for England U19s

Mar 25 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

VILLA whizzkid Nathan Delfouneso aims to add to his already glowing reputation tonight when he steps out with the Three Lions on his chest rather than just the one.

The 18-year-old striker is aiming to help the England under-19s overcome the Czech Republic in Walsall after a season of personal triumph.

Prolific at youth level Delfouneso made a first senior start in the UEFA Cup against MSK Zilina, scoring with a sweet left-footed volley.

He scored again in his second start in Hamburg and netted another cracker against Doncaster before making his league debut against Tottenham.

“This season has been a good experience for me,” he said. “I’ve learnt a lot of things, I’ve been doing more than I was before, I’m just trying to take it all on board.

“Last year I looked to get to a certain level and I feel I’ve surpassed that.

“This year I’ve got myself in and around the first team and now hopefully I can push on from there and be involved more and more.

“My scoring record is decent at the moment. I’m a striker, that’s what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m paid to put the ball in the net so it’s down to me to keep on doing that.”

Delfouneso says he is ready to make his mark on the senior front. He should get more chances in the run-in after Marlon Harewood’s switch to Wolves.