Aston Villa's Nathan Delfouneso notes first Premier League goal against Portsmouth as meaning more than any other

Martin O'Neill tips youngster to become 'proper player' after Pompey strike...

20 Apr 2010 19:50:00

By Daniel Sheppard

More On :  Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Martin O'Neill, Nathan Delfouneso, Portsmouth vs Aston Villa
Nathan Delfouneso celebrates pulling a goal back against MSK Zilina in UEFA Cup action.

Aston Villa forward Nathan Delfouneso scored the first Premier League goal of his career on Sunday at Fratton Park in the Villans' 2-1 win over an already relegated Portsmouth side.

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Delfouneso had been on the field for just two minutes before scoring Villa’s winning goal, having come on as a substitute for fellow English forward Gabby Agbonlahor, and he has spoken of his delight at having finally achieved a long-awaited dream.

“It was a great feeling,” he stated to the club’s official website.

“You could see the delight on my face when I scored it. I've been waiting for that for a very long time.

“I've scored goals in other competitions but it means such a lot to score in the Premier League. For it to be such an important goal makes the moment even better.

“It was my first top-flight goal and it was an important one in the context of the season too. It was great to score in front of the fans too. They went crazy.

“I know what it meant to them and it meant so much to me too. We'll take this confidence into the next game now.”

Villa boss Martin O’Neill had special praise for the youngster following Sunday’s game at Fratton Park.

“I'm delighted for Nathan,” he told the Press Association.

“I've been saying this for some considerable time, but he's going to be a proper player. If he keeps his feet on the ground, he's got a real proper chance.”

Delfouneso has now scored three goals for Villa this season, the first two coming in the FA Cup, and has made 11 appearances in all competitions.

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