Noel Blake has no complaints about Aston Villa starlet Nathan Delfouneso

Jul 18 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Sunday Mercury

Nathan Delfouneso

ASTON Villa hotshot Nathan Delfouneso can moan for England – much to the pleasure of his Three Lions’ under-19s coach.

Delfouneso is hoping his goals can inspire the country to glory in the European Championships in France.

But national team coach and former Villa and Blues striker Noel Blake is almost as happy to hear him shooting from the lip.

Because Blake regards The Fonz’s frustrated phone calls as an encouraging sign of the 19-year-old’s willingness to improve.

“He shows a great desire for football,” said Blake.

“He’s a willing learner, he asks questions and he always wants to improve.

“One of his qualities is that he’s got an infectious desire to do well.

“For example, if we’ve left him out of the squad, he’s on the phone complaining, saying ‘Why have I not been selected?’.

“It’s a rare commodity and I think it’s brilliant.”

Delfouneso returned home with the Golden Boot after England lost last year’s European Under-19s Championships final to hosts Ukraine.

Blake is reluctant to heap too much pressure on the striker, but acknowledges that the Brummie teenager is again important for the Under-19s.