Martin O'Neill has confirmed Nathan Delfouneso will play a part tonight - although the Villa boss has yet to decide whether that will be from the start or from the bench.

O'Neill has been impressed with the progress of the 17-year-old after seeing him score 22 goals in 2007-08 for the academy and reserves.

The England youth international was drafted into MON's squad this summer and now the Villa boss is considering turning to the young starlet as he looks to guarantee European progress.

MON said: "I am very excited about Nathan's potential.

"He has an awful lot of ability and I've no doubts about playing him in such an important night in Europe for us."

Nicky Shorey has emerged as a doubt for tonight's crunch UEFA Cup game with MSK Zilina - with O'Neill assessing the defender this morning.

The left-back has been laid low with flu - the same condition which kept Nigel Reo-Coker out of the Premier League fixture with Fulham.

It will be a blow if the former Reading man misses the game because the Villa boss confirmed two days ago that he would be a definite starter in the Euro clash.

O'Neill added: "Nicky went home yesterday with the same symptoms that prevented Nigel from playing last week.

"We will see how he is this morning."