Villa manager Martin O’Neill admits rookie defender Ciaran Clark stole the plaudits after his dream debut shut out Fulham.

The 19-year-old gave an assured performance on his claret and blue bow, in place of the injured Curtis Davies in yesterday’s 2-0 victory over the Cottagers at Villa Park.

O’Neill felt the centre-back looked right at home in his new surroundings.

The Villa boss said: “He took it in his stride,. If there’s anybody you’d like to see make the grade it’s Clark.

“I thought he took a lot of confidence from pre-season when he stepped in during the Peace Cup and did very well.

“My main worry was that he would get very tired in the game, not having had that much football, but he stuck it out and he did great.”

Clark was itching to get started, as soon as O’Neill called him out of the dressing room to break the news that he was playing.

The academy product said: “The manager called me out 15 minutes before he usually announces the side. I went into his room and he asked me how I feeling.

“I said good and he said ‘good, because you’re starting this afternoon.’ I was delighted and couldn’t wait for it.

“I was desperate to get out for the warm-up. When it kicked off I got into it. It is nothing new. I get paid to defend. We kept a clean sheet and that was great.”

Team-mate goalkeeper Brad Friedel praised supporters for helping the young defender settle down.

He said: “The fans were brilliant for Ciaran. The first time he touched the ball he got a little applause. Then when he made his first tackle he got bigger applause and that is going to help.

“It is little things like that which are always going to spark the lad a bit and that was great.”

Another player who came in for praise was man-of-the-match Gabby Agbonlahor, who capped a fine display with Villa’s second.

O’Neill said: “Gabby was terrific. It was a fantastic goal and he is saying modestly he just hit it, but he struck it brilliantly.

“The crowd were right behind him which was fantastic and I thought they were right behind the team as well. The players still enjoy playing at home.

“I don’t think they were best pleased themselves about the Wigan affair. But it’s nice to get a home win.”