Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill was full of praise for Nathan Delfouneso after his strike in last night's 3-1 FA Cup victory over Doncaster.

Delfouneso, who turned 18 on Monday, had been at fault in losing possession and allowing Jason Price to bring Doncaster back into the game shortly before half-time after Villa had led 2-0.

But the Villa academy product made amends midway through the second period with a glancing header which secured the home side's place in the last 16 for only the second time in nine years. They face Everton next.

Delfouneso has been used sparingly by O'Neill but has already also netted twice in the UEFA Cup this season and is regarded as one of the club's brightest prospects.

O'Neill said: "I was delighted with Nathan's performance. He gave the ball away for their goal but outside of that he was exceptional class.

"For one so young, he is a really good player in the making and I have a lot of faith in his ability for the future.

"He is not someone you would want to rely on at this stage to get us out of the quagmire in a Premier League match, but he is a very capable player."