Fabian Delph has praised manager Alex McLeish after making a positive start to the Premier League season.
Villa midfielder pleased to reward manager and club
Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph has praised manager Alex McLeish after making a positive start to the Premier League season.
The former Leeds United man gave a man of the match display in Villa's 3-1 league success over Blackburn on Saturday at Villa Park.
It was the first time Delph completed back-to-back 90 minutes games for the club following his switch from The Whites two years ago.
Delph's debut campaign was hit and miss prior to suffering a cruciate ligament injury, although that did not stop Villa offering him a new five-year deal in March.
The teenager has been given a specific training regime to strengthen his physique and Delph has been delighted with his progress this season.
Happy
"After sitting down and speaking with the manager, he's confident in me and I'm very happy with him," said Delph.
"The gaffer has been unbelievable. We've limited my training and focused on building muscle in other areas of my body.
"It seems to be working. I don't seem to be losing fitness, so it's great management from him.
"He's an experienced manager, and if he says I have to do something different for a few months or forever, then as long as I stay fit, I am happy.
"As far as I see it my injuries are behind me now, and my focus is to push on in my career and do well for the manager and chairman, as they have for me."
Stronger
As far as Delph is concerned he has "a lot of lost time" to make up for, and a list of people to whom he is grateful for resurrecting his career.
"I can honestly say I've come out a stronger person," he continued. "I'm not the easiest person to work with when I am angry and frustrated.
"It was hard to keep my mouth shut at times, but everybody is entitled to have a little moan.
"I've a lot of respect for the people I work with, and I do as I'm told. They told me to shut my mouth and get on with it."
