It just so happens there’s a ready-made replacement for Nigel Reo-Coker already at Villa Park. Step forward Fabian Delph.

The 19-year-old midfielder stole the show as Villa last night booked their place in the Carling Cup’s last 16 for the first time in three years courtesy of Gabby Agbonlahor’s cheeky third-minute backheel – and they could even afford a second-half missed penalty from James Milner.

It was a case of third time lucky in the third round as the claret and blues avenged defeats to Championship sides Leicester and QPR in the previous two seasons.

That made it six straight wins and four consecutive clean sheets – quite some turnaround after defeats in their first two games.

They now find themselves three games from a trip to Wembley and with their European dreams already over, the trophy they last won in 1996 represents their best chance of silverware this season.

But, for the second time in four days a Villa Park victory was overshadowed by the absence of Reo-Coker following last week’s training ground bust-up with boss Martin O’Neill.

And, after being left out of the squad for last night’s Carling Cup victory over Cardiff, it is hard to see a path to redemption for the midfielder.

The Villa manager has declared the matter closed and, judging by Reo-Coker’s absence last night, he might as well start packing.

One concern for O’Neill might have been filling the former West Ham skipper’s boots in the 4-5-1 formation which has proved so successful.

But last night’s domineering display from Delph suggested he is ready to answer the call.

What the 19-year-old summer signing from Leeds lacks in experience, he certainly makes up for with grit, guile and gusto. He is a real Yorkshire terrier.

Delph has been touted as the new Steven Gerrard and while he is some way short of the Liverpool skipper’s level yet, you can understand the comparisons.

Like Gerrard, he creates a sense of excitement every time he touches the ball – a trait only Ashley Young and, perhaps, James Milner currently boast at Villa.

While he possesses the ball-winning qualities and engine which have firmly established Reo-Coker as a top-level player, Delph can also shoot and has the ability to unlock defences.

It’s easy to see why Manchester City were so desperate to sign him.

And it was another of City’s summer targets, John Carew, who created the decisive goal.

Carew was allowed space to run down the right and delivered a low ball into the centre which Agbonlahor nonchalantly back-heeled home for his fourth goal in as many games.

It was further proof Agbonlahor has rediscovered his ‘A game’.

Milner and Stiliyan Petrov both had efforts well saved by Peter Enckelman who along with Peter Whittingham and Riccy Scimeca was one of three ex-Villans in Cardiff’s side.

But this was by no means a one-sided contest.

City created a number of first-half chances, the best of them forcing Brad Guzan, one of five changes in a strong side, into a stunning point-blank stop to deny Gavin Rae before Jay Bothroyd failed to convert the rebound.

There were plenty of opportunities at both ends but it was Villa who had the best of all on 59 minutes.

Petrov was clumsily hauled down inside the box by Gabor Gyepes and referee Anthony Taylor pointed straight to the spot.

It was the second penalty the Bulgarian midfielder had won in a week.

Again Milner stepped up to take the spot kick – only this time he missed, hammering his effort against the right post.

In truth, the visitors looked the more likely to find the net in the final half hour.

A rasping drive from Chris Burke was gathered at the second attempt by Guzan with Bothroyd ready to pounce but it was deep into injury-time that the Championship side came closest.

Ex-Wolves striker Bothroyd thought he had forced extra-time when he poked home from four yards only for the effort to be chalked out for offside.

Bothroyd looked to the heavens as if to bemoan his bad luck and replays suggested he had a strong case.

But the dice is rolling Villa’s away again for now. For once, there was to be no upset.

By Brendan McLoughlin.