Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill isn't surprised by the praise Fabian Delph won on debut against Fiorentina.

He said: "I thought he was great. He has those attributes mentioned (by Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli) in abundance. Is he an immediate replacement for Gareth Barry? Hold on. That would be asking a lot.

"Is he capable of becoming a really brilliant player? No doubt about that. He has a great attitude and Premier League ability. We don't have to wait and see if he can come through, he is knocking on the door now.

"He has played so many games for one so young. He is a player and the crowd have taken to him. And he can only get better."