Pro contract for prospect Nathan

A young first-year scholar at Aston Villa who has already been earmarked as an emerging talent, has signed his first professional deal and been handed a first-team squad number on his 17th birthday.

Nathan Delfouneso – with England honours already to his name - has been rewarded by being included in Villa’s first team squad for the Premier League games against Fulham and Newcastle United.

Manager, Martin O’Neill, is full of praise for him. “His performances in the youth team have been excellent. He has trained with the first team and he will continue to do that. But Nathan is very much one for the future.

“I thought it would be nice for him to join us at Fulham. He could have a look at it so that if he is pitched in eventually it isn’t a surprise to him or, more importantly, he isn’t overawed.

“It’s a matter of keeping his feet on the ground – but he does seem like a level-headed young man. And he can play – make no mistake!”

Paul Brackwell, Villa’s Head of Education and Welfare, says that Nathan is one of many who are creating a good impression at the club. “We had some excellent college results for last year’s second years, while on the field our youth team is enjoying a good season – currently sitting on top of our Academy group and in the FA Youth Cup quarter finals.”

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