Moore wins O'Neill backing
07 Sep 2007 - 12:29:05
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has praised striker Luke Moore for his efforts in recent games and is hoping to tie the youngster down to a new contract in the near future.
The 21-year-old has played in all five of Villa's games this term and O'Neill has been impressed with the England Under-21 international's renewed efforts.
O'Neill said: "Luke is doing great. He can get better, but he's working as hard as anyone has ever seen him working. He was great against Chelsea and I was really pleased with him.
"Luke knows if he puts the work in, he has the ability to be anything because he's got really great natural, priceless talent which has pushed him into this position in the game.
"But you wouldn't want to see that wasted. I've seen it thousands of times in the game. I've seen players who think natural talent alone will carry them through, but it just doesn't happen.
"Sometimes players realise that a bit too late. He's got the ability, he can conjure a goal when things aren't going well, which is a fantastic attribute to have.
"But he's got to work at it because hard work is an essential part of the game. His overall play at times has been excellent."