A Fab Performance By Delph - The Verdict

Martin O'Neill has singled out Fabian Delph for special praise in his after match verdict today, saying he's in with a real shot at starting against Wigan.

Speaking on the official site after our 1-0 win over Fiorentina Monny Delphintely spent more time talking about Fab than he did the actual match.

'I thought he was great - really great. Is he capable of becoming a really brilliant player? I don't think there's any doubt. He has a great attitude and top-flight ability. He is certainly not one where I will want him to come through in two years or something like that. This boy is knocking on the door now. He played a number of games for Leeds at a young age - and that is a great club with big expectation. He is a player."

He also hints that he could be in contention for a Premier League debut v Villa saying he is more than capable of player. 'Asking him to step straight into the game against Wigan? We will see. We will have a look. But he's done himself no harm at all.'

Delph is now likely to link up with the England U21 side for their clash against Holland on Tuesday, despite suffering from a sore foot after today's efforts.

There's no doubt about it, Fabian is not for next season. After a performance like that it's clear that whilst Monny won't expect him to be an ever present he is certainly more than capable of playing in a fair few of our matches this season and establishing himself as a good squad player from the get go.

I've seen Monny talk so little about a match, well in fact hardly even mention it and focus solely on a player.

We know their are big things expected from the man but I wasn't expecting the performane he put in today.

By the same token we shouldn't expect that every match he plays. Let's allow him to bed in, and settle down and form an understanding with our other starlets and the future definitely could be bright for us.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.