Delaney hails Sorensen season

Mark Delaney has hailed the contribution of goalkeeper Thomas Sorsensen in his first season at Aston Villa – even though it has meant receiving the same kind of ear-bashing that used to be handed out by Peter Schmeichel.

Sorensen moved to Villa from relegated Sunderland last summer for £2m (€2.9m) and has played a major part in the club’s push for a European place in the second half of the campaign.

Delaney can see similarities between Sorensen and fellow great Dane Schmeichel who was brought to Villa Park in the tiwlight of his career by John Gregory - not least in the vocal stakes.

The Welsh international, being gently eased back into action after a foot injury via the substitute’s bench, said: “I think Thomas has been fantastic. It’s great that we signed him.

“As a defender, you look for someone very vocal to keep you on your toes. It’s good for people to be talking all around you.

“Defenders can see most things on the pitch but goalkeepers can see everything and Thomas certainly lets you know what is going on.

“The last person that was as vocal for us was Peter Schmeichel who is a legend. The funny thing is that when you hear Thomas on the pitch, he sounds exactly the same as Peter.

“He is very intimidating, also like Peter was, and there is no doubt that he has been a magnificent addition to the squad.

“But then defensively I think we have been very good this season. Olof Mellberg and Ronny Johnsen have a good understand in the centre and compliment each other. Olof has been fantastic while Ronny has shown his experience.”

Sorensen’s understudy Stefan Postma, who has made only two substitute appearances this season, has agreed a new two-year contract with Villa.