O'Leary: Solano will be better next season

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has praised the impact already made by Nolberto Solano – but believes that the best of the Peruvian international will not be seen until next season.

O’Leary caused a surprise when he managed to sign Solano in January for only £1.5m (2.25m) from Newcastle where he was a big favourite with the fans.

He has quickly won over the Villa supporters with his enterprise on the right flank and played a key part in them climbing the table to the fringe of the European places.

O’Leary feels that Villa are better balanced with a player naturally at home in the role as opposed to Lee Hendrie who prefers to play in the centre of midfield.

But he is confident that a good pre-season with Villa will lead to even better things from Solano in 2004-2005.

O’Leary told PA Sport: “I always thought he would do the business but I honestly believe we will see the best of him next season.

“He’ll benefit with a good pre-season under his belt. We train hard here and I don’t think he can believe the way we train.

“I think over the next two years he’ll be a really good player. The good thing is what you ask him to do, he picks up straight away.

“He is a good deliverer of the ball, he gives you balance on the right, he is creative. He is everything I thought he would be.

“I think we are better as a side with Nobby because we have got more craft on the right. Lee Hendrie was doing a good solid job there – but that’s what he was doing – a job.

“Lee didn’t particularly like playing there. Now we’ve got a fellow there who is actually in his number one role.”