Aston Villa: I’m not a dirty player - Fabian Delph

Sep 25 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“It’s a part of my game I need to improve on.”

The 19-year-old Yorkshire terrier was cautioned for fouls during his disappointing debut against Wigan and against Cardiff and his over-exuberance on the training ground has also left his Villa team-mates nursing bruises. “I need to be more disciplined because obviously it’s a better standard, miles better, well above League One,” added Delph. “If you go to ground you tend to get sent off or played around.

“It’s not that I’m a dirty player, but if there’s a tackle to be won I don’t mind going in and trying to win the ball fairly.”

Steve Sidwell’s thigh problem and Nigel Reo-Coker’s stand-off with O’Neill have opened the door to a potential start for Delph at Ewood Park.

“He had a good game against Cardiff,” said Sidwell, who is disappointed to be knocked out of his stride by injury.

“It’s obviously hard to come in with the rotation thing at the moment but he’s given the gaffer food for thought. I’m sure we can rely on him in any game.

“It is frustrating for me, you want to play every game as a professional football player, but sometimes a rest is required.

“When you’re in the groove of things and playing well you just want to keep that momentum up.”