Delfouneso flying out for Villa action

29 July 2010 14:38
athan Delfouneso is to link up with Aston Villa for the Guadiana Cup in Portugal just days after playing in the European U19 Championships.[LNB] Villa boss Martin O'Neill is predicting Delfouneso will play in Sunday's clash with Benfica.[LNB]Delfouneso was part of the England Under-19 side beaten 3-1 by Spain in Tuesday's semi-final in Spain and also featured in the three group games.[LNB]O'Neill confirmed: "Nathan is going to come out. He will arrive in Portugal sometime on Friday and, with a bit of luck, he will be involved in Sunday's game at least."[LNB]It is an indication that O'Neill feels 19-year-old Delfouneso could have a bigger role to play this season by involving him in the tournament rather than giving him time to rest up.[LNB]Central defender James Collins took no part in Villa's first training session in Portugal after suffering a calf injury in Tuesday's friendly at Walsall.[LNB]O'Neill said: "James is very keen to get back playing as quickly as possible but his pre-season has been a bit stop-start.[LNB]"Maybe it is time for James to go steady because it's a long season. Instead of five days to get over something, maybe double the time (to recuperate)."

Source: Team_Talk