Nathan Delfouneso's boyhood idol

There will be plenty at Villa Park tomorrow who count ex-Villa and Manchester United star Dwight Yorke among their heroes - and Nathan Delfouneso is no different.

Yorke earned himself a legion of admirers in his days at Villa Park and Old Trafford - even if his controversial move to United did slightly sour his relationship with the claret and blue masses.

Still just 19, Delfouneso's memories of the smiling assassin only date back to his days tearing Premier League defences apart along with fellow goal machine Andy Cole for the Red Devils.

While his loyalties now lie only with Villa, the England under-21 star admits to having a soft spot for United as a youngster and there was nothing he enjoyed more than watching Cole and Yorke score goals for fun.

He said: "The likes of Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke were my heroes growing up. It was a great partnership to look up to.

"I watched Dwight more at Manchester United than Villa because I was a bit too young. It's something that you look at and you strive to be like that.

"They were top quality finishers."

Speaking of quality finishers, Delfouneso has already shown he knows where the net is. His first senior goal came aged just 17 in the UEFA Cup against MSK Zilina two years ago.

But he has had to wait patiently for his chance, however, with three internationals in John Carew, Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor having been ahead of him in the pecking order.

It got to the stage where Delfouneso asked to go out on loan last week only to be told by boss Gerard Houllier his services were needed.

He said: "Obviously from the start of the season up to this point I hadn't really been involved.

"It was frustrating for me with how I felt that I'd been doing the last couple of years under Martin O'Neill.

"I felt I was developing a lot but it has stalled a little bit when I haven't been involved.

"I knew I needed to play games but the opportunity has now come and I'm very grateful."

Injuries to the international trio gave him his chance from the start at Fulham in last Saturday's 1-1 draw and Delfouneso scored his first home Premier League goal in Wednesday's win over Blackpool.

He said: "I've been enjoying myself," he said. "It's obviously been my first two starts so I hope I can have a good season.

"I've gained a lot in the last two starts in the Premier League and I'm learning all the time.

"I'm glad the gaffer has shown faith in me."

The last time Villa met United was the Carling Cup final defeat in February.

Delfouneso didn't get off the bench in that game but hopes to play a part as Villa look for their first home league win over United in 15 years.

He added: "We'll be looking to go and change that record."