Nathan Delfouneso has already made rapid strides since graduating to Villa’s first-team squad – and there is still much more to come.

That was the verdict delivered today by England Under-19 head coach Brian Eastick ahead of this evening’s friendly against Czech Republic at the Banks’s Stadium, where teenage hot-shot Delfouneso is set to be one of the Premier League stars on show.

The former Birmingham City academy chief is a big fan of the 18-year-old Villa forward, who is playing an age group up from his natural category. And Eastick believes he has all the ingredients to become a hit in the Premier League.

“He’s learning the game, there’s more to come from him physically and in terms of understanding but playing with first-team players day in, day out will help him,” said Eastick.

“I have noticed a significant improvement in his movement since he’s been working with Martin O’Neill and the first-team squad. He’s coming up against better defenders so his movement has to be that much better.

“He’s a finisher and he’s a natural athlete as well. He’s got the ingredients and he’s working hard to get the recipe right.”

Delfouneso has made an impressive impact in his breakthrough season – netting in his first two starts against MSK Zilina and Hamburg in the UEFA Cup as well as scoring a stunning header in the FA Cup win over Doncaster.

He was handed his Premier League debut against Tottenham 10 days ago, replacing Gabby Agbonlahor.

And his performances were one of the reasons Marlon Harewood was allowed to join Wolves earlier in the week.

The Birmingham-born hotshot is the latest player to roll off a production line which includes Villa first teamers Agbonlahor and Craig Gardner and the now departed Gary Cahill and Liam Ridgewell.

And, according to Eastick, the club’s academy stands up against anything around. “Aston Villa have got an excellent academy,” he added. “Brian Jones has done a terrific job developing players.

“The number of players they have developed over the last 10 years is there for everybody to see.

“Nathan is another one on that conveyor belt. He is only starting out in his career but Martin O’Neill has seen a lot of potential in him – and that’s what it is, potential.”

Delfouneso has set his sights on eventually following in the footsteps of earning full international honours like many of his team-mates.

“Earning full honours has always been the aim and it’s great to be around the likes of Gabby, Ashley (Young) and Gareth (Barry) who have already achieved it,” said Delfouneso. Hopefully I can move through the levels quickly and do it well. I want to do the best I can for the team.”

But, for now, his attentions are firmly focused on helping England bounce back from their recent defeat to Spain in tonight’s friendly ahead of May’s Elite Qualifying Round, when they will host Scotland, Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina in a bid to reach the European Under-19 Championship Finals, which take place in Ukraine in July.

“Obviously we are all here trying to make a name for ourselves, the aim is to try to impress the manager and make sure we are in the squad for the qualifiers as well,” Delfouneso continued.

“There are a lot of good players out there who are not in the squad now so it’s down to us to take this opportunity and go out there and play well.

“It’s always nice to play at Walsall. It’s a nice little ground. Hopefully there will be a good following there. It’s going to be a test for us but we are up for the challenge. The main thing is getting the victory.”

* Walsall have sold 6,000 tickets so far. Prices are £5 adults and £1 concessions.