Fabian Delph may get nod for Aston Villa's Premier League opener

Aug 10 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O’Neill saw Fabian Delph sparkle on his home debut and admitted his new arrival from Leeds has given himself a chance of starting against Wigan on Saturday.

The Villa boss said his £6million signing is “knocking on the door” after a performance full of promise in the win against Fiorentina.

O’Neill confirmed that Delph has linked up with the England under-21s for their clash with Holland tomorrow despite the teenager picking up a sore foot during the game.

Although making it clear that Delph is no match for Gareth Barry, at least in the short term, O’Neill enthused: “I thought he was great – really great. Is he capable of becoming a really brilliant player?

‘‘I don’t think there’s any doubt. He has a great attitude and top-flight ability.

“He is certainly not one where I will want him to come through in two years or something like that. This boy is knocking on the door now.

“He played a number of games for Leeds at a young age – and that is a great club with big expectation. He is a player.

“Is he making strides to get into the side for the game against Wigan? I don’t see why not.

‘‘He is capable of playing, the crowd have taken to him and he can only get better. He is a proper player.

“Asking him to step straight into the game against Wigan? We will see. We will have a look.

‘‘But he’s done himself no harm at all.

“He didn’t look out of place against four really exceptionally good players. Fiorentina weren’t afraid to give him a kick but Fabian can look after himself.”