Aston Villa's Aussie starlet Jordan Lyden has been singled out for praise by manager Remi Garde following his starting debut in the club's FA Cup success overnight.
The 20-year-old played the full match as Garde’s side progressed from their third-round replay with a 2-0 win over League Two outfit Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Lyden had made his first appearance for the club's first team when the sides previously played out at 1-1 draw at Adams Park earlier this month.
Despite being played out of position at right back in both matches the former Young Socceroo was commended for his versatility by his manager.
“It was not his favourite position - he is more a midfield player,” Garde told his club's official website post match.
“Leo Bacuna was a little bit injured - like Alan Hutton.
“I wanted to play Micah Richards as a centre-back. Jordan Lyden told me he has already played this position.
“For his first game, he was okay - he's a good player!," said the French boss.
Aston Villa’s reward for clinching their FA Cup tie is a fourth round clash against Premier League heavyweights Manchester City to be played at Villa Park.
After a horrific start to the season Villa are now unbeaten in their last four matches, however still sit bottom of the Premier League.
With the Birmingham club six points adrift of their nearest rival and ten points from escaping the relegation zone, Garde foreshadowed a first league appearance may not be far away for his Perth-born midfielder.
“He [Lyden] is working well. He is young and he is working very well in training sessions," added Garde.
“He's got a very good attitude. He is one of the best attitudes in the team - that's important when you want to go step by step as a football player.”
