LONG after the final whistle on Wednesday night, the Frank Lampards, senior and junior, slipped out of a side door at Stamford Bridge, the younger hopping straight into an impressively substantial black car while the elder paused for a moment to share a word with an old acquaintance.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has challenged the young players in his squad to prove they can perform in the Premiership on a regular basis.

David O’Leary has warned that Aston Villa will be unable to repeat their current battle against the odds for a European spot next season unless new blood is added to the squad.