By Paul Brown

Emile Heskey believes Nathan Delfouneso has the potential to become a top class marksman as the exciting young striker embarks on his third full season with Villa.

Delfouneso, called up by England last night for the European Under-19 Championships in France, has already impressed many on the Barclays Premier League stage.

The starlet announced his arrival on the top-flight scene with the winning strike in the victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park - his first top flight goal.

His progress has impressed Heskey, who has backed him to carry on taking his opportunities.

"The lad has done really well," said Heskey. "He's not had many chances to come on and play but when he has he has shown what he is capable of and he is a good player for the future.

"He has managed to get himself in the England set-ups from a young age - from the under-16s until now where he is playing for the under-21s at the minute and has just been called up for the under-19s for a major finals.

"So he is a great prospect for the future and got a great career ahead of him.

"You've got to bide your time and when you do get an opportunity, take it. He knows that himself and he knows what he is capable of doing."

Like Delfouneso, Heskey got his big break under O'Neill, who was his manager at the Foxes early in his career.

Although he already had a handful of appearances to his name, he acknowledges the current Villa boss gave him his first real run in the team.

The England striker wouldn't be surprised to see Delfouneso make a similar breakthrough - particularly with the players and coaching staff he has to guide him.

"When the manager came, I had actually played a few games already but he gave me the longest run in the side," Heskey added.

"Nathan is in a similar situation. He is a great individual who trains hard and you'll see him coming through soon.

"With the lads that he has got training with him every day, the experience that we've got and the youth, he's got good people around him.

"But he'll have people pushing him and guiding him in the right direction."