O'Neill says Warnock won't let England down

Villa boss Martin O'Neill today insisted Stephen Warnock won't let England down if he is thrust into World Cup combat.

Warnock was one of the surprise inclusions in Fabio Capello's final squad for South Africa after being preferred to Leighton Baines – despite having played just six minutes for the Three Lions in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago two years ago.

The £8m defender looks set to be understudy for first-choice left-back Ashley Cole but yesterday's World Cup injury KO for Rio Ferdinand, caused by a collision with Villa's Emile Heskey, has brought into sharp focus the key role Capello's fringe players could still have to play at the tournament, which begins for England against USA a week today.

And O'Neill is adamant Warnock will do a fine job if called upon.

He said: "He is just so solid and reliable. He is brave, he puts his head in - he's just a really exceptional player.

"I still think he can keep improving. I always thought he was a really good player but it's only when I started working with him on the training ground that I realised he's even better than I thought.

"I really think he can improve further too.

"He has done brilliantly since his arrival at the club, really brilliantly. I am absolutely thrilled for him.

"I remember reading after he signed for Villa that one of the reasons he joined was because Fabio Capello came to see a lot of Villa games – I remember thinking 'I hope that isn't the only reason you joined the club'

"I am just really, really pleased for him.

"He has done exceptionally well and fitted in brilliantly.

"In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he was a little shocked himself at how quickly he fitted in after that debut against Birmingham City."