Paul McGrath praises Callum O’Hare, Jed Steer for Aston Villa

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Aston Villa reached the second round of the League Cup this week.

Paul McGrath has taken to Twitter to praise Aston Villa youngster Callum O’Hare.

The 19-year-old made his debut last night as Aston Villa edged out Colchester United 2-1 to reach the second round of the League Cup, with Scott Hogan and an own goal from Frankie Kent doing the damage for the visitors.

O’Hare has made a big impression after a series of very decent pre-season performances for Steve Bruce’s side during the summer and his bow was fully deserved.

And the teenager certainly grabbed his chance with both hands with a fine debut showing, one which did not escape the attention of Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath.

Jed Steer was named in a Villa lineup for the first time in two years and he also impressed, saving a penalty from Mikael Mandron just seconds after Hogan’s seventh-minute opener.

And McGrath also reserved praise for the 24-year-old goalkeeper on Twitter.

Both impressed obviously but both might be confined to League Cup and FA Cup showings this season.

Sam Johnstone is ahead of Steer in the pecking order at Villa Park, after re-signing from Manchester United on loan this summer, and although O’Hare looks a fine talent, Bruce has mostly signed experienced players for a reason.

The veteran manager is charged with the task of leading the club back to the Premier League, and Bruce obviously feels as if tried-and-tested players – such as John Terry, Christopher Samba, Glenn Whelan and Ahmed Elmohamady – are the club’s best bet.