By Dan Harrison

Nathan Delfouneso has revealed how he embarked on a summer training programme in preparation for an important season in his career.

The striker, currently away with England's European U19 Championship squad, has been doing extra training over the past few months to ensure he is in tip top shape for club and country.

A big season is in prospect for Delfouneso, who made massive strides last term with goals in the FA Cup and the Barclays Premier League, as well as a strike on his debut for England under-21s.

"After the England under-19 qualifiers we had a couple of weeks off when we had a break," said the teenage striker.

"I chose to make sure I was coming back to the club as fit as possible and make sure I was coming back stronger, fitter, quicker, and technically better.

"So I've been working hard during the off season. We had the England training camp as well, so we had a few days where I started to get back into football mode.

"And then the club's pre-season started so I got more preparation football wise, fitness and running and that kind of stuff."

Delfouneso thanked boss Martin O'Neill for giving him his blessing to miss Villa's pre-season preparations, in order to take part in the European finals in France.

And he is relishing the opportunity to play in a competitive international tournament.

"I left it down to the club and England to decide," he said. "I'm very proud to go and play for England, but I'm also very proud putting on the shirt of the club I play for to try and get opportunities to play for the first team.

"Whereas the club will just be playing pre-season friendlies and training hard, here we're playing in a massive competitive tournament where you can learn loads.

"It's intense and it's really competitive because we're playing for something, so when we get back to our clubs we're going to be match fit and have that bit more experience."

The 19-year-old also revealed his delight at the first team opportunities he has been handed at Villa over the past couple of seasons.

"It's very important," he added. "Every youngster's aim is to go and play in the first team.

"I've been lucky and I've been very grateful that the gaffer has given me that experience.

"It's all down to the players to go and prove themselves to the gaffer."