Former Aston Villa midfield powerhouse Ian Taylor is desperate for Fabian Delph to have an injury-free season.

Big things are expected at Villa from the former Leeds United starlet.

"My take on him is there's a really good player there," Taylor told the Birmingham Mail.

"I think he needs to learn the game a bit more. The run of games he had towards the end of last season was exactly what he needs.

"I thought that because his Aston Villa career's been stop-start due to injury and suspension. He just needed a run of games where he could get used to being in the side and just keep playing.

"He's been there a few years now and with all the changes in recent seasons he's probably one of the longest-serving players, so it would be great if he could make a midfield place his own and really show Villa fans what he is capable of."