Sunday Oct 07 2007 09:44
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill hailed several of the younger members of his squad, following the 1-0 victory over
West ham at Villa Park.
A Craig Gardner goal proved to be enough for victory, with Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor also catching O'Neill's eye.
He said: "We played some great stuff in the first half and Ashley was mesmeric. He was a great outlet for us and caused havoc.
"There were moments in the game when he was unplayable. The confidence he has got comes from having great ability.
"Agbonlahor was also terrific for us and he is getting stronger and better by the game.
"We should have capitalised more in the first half and then West ham came at us after the break and had the bulk of possession.
"I think our exertions at Tottenham earlier in the week may have taken their toll and when we freshened things up we started to get a grip again."
Meanwhile, O'Neill also praised the efforts of the fit-again Martin Laursen, who was a rock at the heart of defence.
"Martin Laursen is just brilliant for us," O'Neill added. "He is as brave as a lion, sometimes he goes in for balls he can't win.
"But it's better he's like that rather than not going in at all. He has been majestic for us.
"He ended the game with his head heavily bandaged after having three stitches in his head, but we wanted to get him back on."
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