Source: PA
MacDonald proud of young Villa side
Aston Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald hailed the impact of his young guns on a night when they kept their Europa League hopes alive.
Villa head into next Thursday's home return leg of their play-off with Rapid Vienna on the back of a 1-1 draw at the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium.
Barry Bannan was Villa's hero with his first goal for the club, the 20-year-old Scottish midfielder tapping home from four yards after a low cross from emerging right winger Marc Albrighton.
MacDonald also handed debuts to 21-year-olds Jonathan Hogg and Eric Lichaj, and neither disappointed in an intimidating atmosphere that was generated by a 17,000-strong full house.
"I'm very proud indeed," said MacDonald when asked for his feelings on his young players. "It was an education for the boys, who played in patches, but I was pleased with all of them because it's not an easy place to come.
"It was gratifying to score a goal away from home, with the two of them (Bannan and Albrighton) doing very well. It was a good finish, a good goal, and I'm sure you could see the elation in their faces when we did score. There's a very strong camaraderie amongst that group of players."
