Aston Villa teenager Nathan Delfouneso has been backed to crack the first team after winning a pro deal last week.

Villa academy boss Tony McAndrew told avfc.co.uk: "Nathan's had a great two months. His performance levels have been very, very high and consequently he's been training with the first team.

"The tough thing for Nathan now will be to come back down to the reality side of things, where he's back in with the youth team.

"But I'm sure Nathan's attitude will be spot-on and I'm sure his performance will be up where it's been for the last six, seven, eight or nine games.

"We're delighted for him and the kid deserves his deal, because for the last two months he's been quite sensational."