Source: Eurosport
Clark comes in for praise from O'Neill
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill hailed the performance of rookie defender Ciaran Clark as his side overcame Fulham 2-0 at Villa Park.
Clark, the England Under-19 captain, was thrown in at the deep end after Curtis Davies had failed to recover from his recurring shoulder problem. The youngster, a product of the club's youth policy, did not put a foot wrong as Villa registered their first home league win of the campaign.
A first-half own goal and Gabriel Agbonlahor's first goal of the season wrapped up the points.
O'Neill said: "I thought Clark did really fine. Unfortunately Curtis has suffered a recurrence of the shoulder problem and will see a specialist in midweek.
"Clark took it in his stride when I told him he was going to be playing. He looked around as if he kind of expected it. Mind you, when I told him I was rubbish on my debut I'm sure it gave him a big boost of confidence!
"I believe he took a lot of confidence from pre-season when he stepped into the side for the Peace Cup and did very well. I think it was in his mind that if he could cope with top European players, albeit in a pre-season tournament, then he could cope (against Fulham)."
