Nathan Delfouneso ready to fill Aston Villa striker gap

Apr 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

VILLA could trust teenager Nathan Delfouneso to join the attack against West Ham on Saturday if their striker crisis fails to ease.

Martin O’Neill is hopeful that both Gabby Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey will be fit enough to be in contention to face the Hammers.

But if the England duo fail to overcome their respective hamstring problems before the weekend, Delfouneso could partner John Carew.

The 18-year-old academy youngster has impressed in the FA Cup and UEFA Cup and during his cameo appearances from the bench.

But Delfouneso, who looked lively after replacing Agbonlahor in the 3-3 draw with Everton, has yet to make his full Premier League debut.

And O’Neill has underlined his faith in the England under-19s star by suggesting he is unlikely to recall Marlon Harewood from his loan spell at Wolves.

“The idea of allowing the players out on loan was that we had the option to call them back to the club after the 28 days,” said O’Neill.

“The same goes for Isaiah Osbourne at Nottingham Forest and Barry Bannan at Derby as with Marlon.

“When those days are up then I will consider all the options.

“But I have been very impressed with young Nathan Delfouneso, I thought he did very well when he came on against Everton.”

Agbonlahor is a major doubt for Saturday’s home game against West Ham, although O’Neill expects him to play again this season.

And Villa believe Heskey’s prospects of playing against Gianfranco Zola’s team are brighter after missing the past two games.