Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes young forward Nathan Delfouneso can challenge strongly for a first team spot with the club.

the 18-year old is beginning to show his true potential and O'Neill is excited about his prospects and believes he can figure regularly in the top XI at Villa Park.

"I have known now Nathan for some quite considerable time," he added.

"He got on in the game on Saturday week (against Bolton) and he's got the utmost potential.

"I think he has got a real proper future in the game. He has got stronger too as time has gone on and he is really knocking on the door of the Premier League for us."