Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill hailed the scoring debut of teenage striker Nathan Delfouneso in last night's UEFA Cup defeat to Zilina.

O'Neill said: "I thought we put in a ferocious effort in the second half and some of our play was excellent, including Delfouneso. He came through with flying colours. What a debut. I thought he played brilliantly.

"It will be an interesting few months ahead because he has great ability. He is knocking on the door of the Premier League."