Villa kids get helping hand from 'oldies'

Nov 19 2010 By Gregg Evans

VILLA’S experienced backline has been praised for the ‘outstanding’ influence they have had on their younger team-mates.

Assistant boss Gary McAllister feels the back four and goalkeeper Brad Friedel have helped the kids blossom during the current injury nightmare at Villa Park.

Stand-in skipper Richard Dunne and central defensive partner James Collins are both typical leaders and have racked up nearly 150 international appearances between them.

Full-backs Stephen Warnock and Luke Young have been in the Premier League for years and have also tasted European action with previous clubs.

Without those five players, McAllister reckons Villa’s younger players may have found it harder to settle into the first team.

“The back four and the goalkeeper have been outstanding,” he said. “A lot has been said about some of the performances about the kids who have come through the ranks here and that has been refreshing.