Aston Villa No2 Ray Wilkins has hailed Fabian Delph for resisting a move to Manchester City.

Villa's new assistant insists Delph should be applauded for choosing an extensive playing career over more lucrative terms at the Etihad Stadium.

"He could have gone to Manchester City for a lot of money but he wants 700 games and a good career," said Wilkins, who is with the club on their pre-season tour in the Algarve.

"It's rare in football to see that happen. I thought it was fantastic.

"We're sitting here moping about as dark as the biggest hole on the planet, then the next day Tim comes in and says he's staying, 'I thought, 'Wow, just applaud him for that.' 'It's almost like we've got a new player back because it's someone who was gone.

"We thought he had gone then all of a sudden he comes back.

"What we have got is some energy in midfield and that's what we need in the modern game."