By Claire Boden

Saturday August 14 is a day Marc Albrighton will never forget.

Not only did he make his inaugural Premier League start in the 3-0 win over West Ham, but the Tamworth-born midfielder was an instrumental figure in orchestrating victory for Villa on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season.

Albrighton gave the Hammers defence a torrid afternoon and was pivotal in setting up all three goals for Stewart Downing, Stiliyan Petrov and James Milner.

Indeed, such was the 20-year-old's performance that when Albrighton made way for Barry Bannan on 89 minutes the entire claret and blues faithful rose to their feet to acknowledge his contribution.

And Albrighton is quick to point out the influence Kevin MacDonald has had on his career to date.

"When I found out I was starting I was over the moon," he said. "Kevin MacDonald put confidence in me so it was a really good experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.

"He just said go out and enjoy it and play the way I have played over the past few seasons.

"He knew I could do a job or he wouldn't have played me. To have your manager put confidence you in before the game is great and a great feeling.

"We got off to a great start - we have got three points and you can't ask for much more than that. We have been looking bright in training the last few days and we took that on to the pitch.

"We got the result, the three points and we will push on now."

The first match of the post-Martin O'Neill era saw Kevin MacDonald put faith in the youngsters from his all-conquering reserve team, with Ciaran Clark looking assured in defence, while debuts were issued to Andreas Weimann and Bannan in the second half.

MacDonald's attitude towards each member of the Villa squad since he took over the managerial helm is something Albrighton says is spot on.

"He will take everybody into the equation," he added. "He has brought the young lads (against West Ham) and he will give everybody a chance.

"If you are not doing well in training you are not going to play at the weekend. If you are doing well then you will get a chance definitely.

"The young lads are happy that Kev has been working with us and he has given us a chance. Look at the likes of Barry Bannan, Andreas Weimann coming on and Ciaran Clark starting as well.

"It's a real boost for the young lads and I think we will push on with the rest of the squad and enjoy the rest of the season."