Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish looking for young players to step up next season

Alex McLeish – Scotland

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Alex McLeish has expressed his desire to include Aston Villa’s young players in the first-team this season.

McLeish has been studying his squad and has highlighted certain players he wants to make an impact in the Premier League.

He said:  “I’ve been given some DVD’s of the young players so I can assess how far they’ve developed.

“The question is are they ready to go into the melting pot of the Premier League next season?

“We definitely have players coming through. I know young Marc Albrighton has burst on to the scene. He looks a fantastic prospect.

“Nathan Delfouneso is another I know. Then there are the likes of Nathan Baker and Gary Gardner as well.

“I’d love to think the likes of Fabian Delph can make the breakthrough next season.

“It would be great to have a good mix of youth and experience going forward next season.”

Albrighton made a splash last season at Villa Park, scoring six in 37 games. Delfouneso was limited to 11 appearances for Villa but doubled his tally in a loan spell at Burnley.

Delph is looking to finally make his impact, two years after signing from Leeds. He missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury.