Aston Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister is looking forward to being re-united with Fabian Delph

Nov 18 2010 by Gregg Evans, Birmingham Mail

GARY McAllister is relishing the chance to work with Fabian Delph again as the midfielder steps up his rehabilitation.

Villa’s assistant boss gave the England Under-21 star his first full run of first-team action when he was in charge of Leeds and said he knew he had a special player in the making.

During McAllister’s reign at Elland Road, a host of Premier League clubs were linked with the teenage whizzkid, but it was his successor, Simon Grayson, who sold Delph to Villa in August 2009 for £8 million.

Since his arrival at Villa Park, the Bradford-born ace has only managed eight first-team appearances after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in April.

But the crocked midfielder, who turns 21 on Sunday, is hoping this week’s visit to the United States will help speed up his recovery.

McAllister knows exactly what Delph has to offer after his impressive performances in the middle of the park during his time at Leeds.

And he is a player the Scot is excited about being reunited with.