Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he was delighted with Fabian Delph's debut in yesterday's victory over Fiorentina.

He told AVTV: "I thought he was great - really great. Is he capable of becoming a really brilliant player? I don't think there's any doubt. He has a great attitude and top-flight ability.

"He is certainly not one where I will want him to come through in two years or something like that. This boy is knocking on the door now.

"He played a number of games for Leeds at a young age - and that is a great club with big expectation. He is a player.

"Is he making strides to get into the side for the game against Wigan? I don't see why not. He is capable of playing, the crowd have taken to him and he can only get better. He is a proper player.

"Asking him to step straight into the game against Wigan? We will see. We will have a look. But he's done himself no harm at all.

"He didn't look out of place against four really exceptionally good players. Fiorentina have more top stars than that obviously - but in my opinion they had four very eye-catching stars.

"They weren't afraid to give him a kick but Fabian can look after himself."