Marlon Harewood has been told he can have a key role as Villa look to rescue their season.
Harewood finally made his first Premier League start for Villa in Saturday’s 4-0 demoralising defeat at Manchester United.
The focus now shifts to the former West Ham striker with John Carew out with a groin injury for the next two weeks.
Harewood’s impact at Old Trafford was nowhere near as big as it has been coming off the bench as Villa struggled to contain rampant United.
But boss Martin O’Neill believes the 28-year-old can still have a huge influence.
“Marlon’s been absolutely superb,” said O’Neill. “He’s turned games for us. Let’s go back to Liverpool where he turned that game on his head. He got a great deal of confidence from that.
“It was a bit frustrating when he wasn’t starting games, but he understands he’s not just a bit-part player in the proceedings, he’s a major part of it.
“He’s fighting for a place. Marlon has just really been excellent and I’m really pleased for him.
“He’s definitely galvanised us and he’s exemplified the spirit within the camp. His performances have been absolutely outstanding.
“He’s said as long as he feels he’s contributing, he’ll be happy. I couldn’t be more pleased with him.
“He’s trying to hold the ball up, bringing team mates into the game.
“People often say he’s a player who will run on to things, but he’s got the strength and the ability to hold the ball up. Now he’s getting that self-belief and he’s produced impressive performances.”
O’Neill added: “He’s been really excellent. Since his introduction at Liverpool he’s been a genuine breath of fresh air.
“The crowd have taken to him which isn’t something to be taken lightly because you still have to earn that right.
“His introduction in matches has been fantastic. Some people come on and never get a kick. He’s been able to force his way into the game, and make a big impact.
“There have been three fantastic goals he’s scored in that length of time, so that’s great.”
One Comment
if marlon wants to make a big impact, his first job must be to take reo-joker into the wilds somewhere and make sure he has no chance of ever making it back to villa park. although the ‘joker’ seems to have no skills of awareness or communication so marlon could just leave him on perry barr ring road, he would be out there for years. on the plus side marlon deserves a lot of credit for the way he has knuckled down and got on with the job in hand, i never wanted him at the club, but you have to take your hat off to some players when they genuinely suprise you. ARE YOU LISTENING REO-JOKER!!!