O'Neill predicts Delph impact
06 Aug 2009 - 17:34:33
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes new signing Fabian Delph has an outside chance of playing his way into the England World Cup squad.
The 19-year-old England Under-21 international has joined the Midlands club for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £6.5million from Leeds United.
Delph was watched by several Premier League clubs last season and O'Neill believes he has the quality to play his way into the head coach Fabio Capello's plans during a World Cup year.
"People have spoken about Fabian being a gamble but I don't agree at all because I think he has real Premier League ability. I have absolutely no doubt he is a top-flight player," he told the club's official website.
"While it will probably take a few weeks for him to adjust, he definitely has the ability, talent and determination. I think he will be a big success.
"I am not expecting miracles from him. I want him to settle in, like Ashley Young did. It will take a little bit of time and then he'll be flying.
"I am sure it is in the back of his mind that Villa have a number of players who have a chance of getting on that plane at the end of the season to South Africa. That, in itself, is a big incentive.
"He probably gave that some thought when he decided to move."