Nathan Delfouneso is hoping to repay the faith shown in him by Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier.
Villa youngster looking to justify Houllier's faith
Nathan Delfouneso is hoping to repay the faith shown in him by Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier.
The 19-year-old striker has been handed a regular role of late as Villa attempt to handle a crippling injury list.
With the vastly experienced Emile Heskey and John Carew sidelined, and with Gabriel Agbonlahor nursing niggling knocks, Delfouneso has been forced to shoulder added responsibility this term.
He is more than happy to take up that challenge, as a local lad living the dream at Villa Park, and hopes his performances for the first team will help to justify his continued involvement.
"I'm glad the gaffer has shown faith in me," the England U21 international said in the
Birmingham Mail.
Grateful
"I'm still in a process of learning. The previous manager (Martin O'Neill) gave me an opportunity so I'm very grateful for that.
"I've just got to keep learning, keep progressing, keep working hard in training and keep trying to be the best player I can be.
"I don't feel the pressure if I'm honest. I'm a player that if I'm given the opportunity I will go out there and just enjoy it and enjoy the whole experience.
"Hopefully if I can do that I can be successful."
Delfouneso is having to learn quickly, with the Premier League representing a considerable step up from the youth and reserve levels in which he cut his teeth.
Difference
"It's a massive difference playing in the first team," added the youngster. "You're playing with some of the world's biggest players so there is a big difference.
"It's hard when you need to learn quickly and get involved, but hopefully I will be doing that.
"Sometimes what you get in the reserves is a more physical game because in Premier League games the defenders might be more experienced and be thinking more.
"They're not always the type that will come and clean you out straight away."
