Barry Bannan backs Villa's fledglings

Barry Bannan prepares for his Scotland debut by declaring Villa's weekend heroics have proven their young guns can trouble "every team" in the Premier League.

The diminutive midfielder was part of a youthful Villa team which were unfortunate to draw 2-2 with Manchester United on Saturday, having led 2-0 with just 11 minutes to go.

Villa's 18-man match-day squad was made up of 10 players who have come through their academy with Bannan, Marc Albrighton and Premier League debutant Jonathan Hogg among those who gave fine performances.

And Bannan, who will feature in Scotland's friendly against the Faroe Islands tonight at Hampden Park, believes it showcased the young talent available at the club.

The 20-year-old said: "I think a few of the young boys have shown how good we really are.

"We know what we've got in that changing room and if we play to our strengths, we will cause every team in the league problems.

"In a game like that, you've got nothing to lose as young boys. All the odds are against us. There is not much pressure on us.

"With respect, the games prior to United were not against the biggest clubs in Fulham and Blackpool but, if you looking at Saturday, we've shown we can more than handle it against the best players in the league.

"Going on the chances, we could have been three or four nil up before they scored, so 'Lady Luck' didn't shine on us.

"Confidence is sky high now and hopefully now I will get the chance to prove my worth to Scotland."