Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso claims he is ready to be called upon as Martin O’Neill’s side struggle for striking options.

The 19-year-old replaced Emile Heskey after just 14 minutes in Villa’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Wednesday night, his longest Premier League run-out.

The highly rated youngster is a graduate of Villa’s youth academy and has made four substitute appearances so far this season. However, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Heskey both doubts, Delfouneso could be thrust into first-team action to face Chelsea this weekend.

“I’d like to think I am up to the job,” Delfouneso told the Birmingham Mail. “I’m confident every time I step on to the pitch and I think I’ll be able to maintain good performances.

“I fully believe that I’m able to do a job, if I am needed I’m confident I can do a job for the team.”

The England under-21 international partnered John Carew in Wednesday’s game and Delfouneso is enjoying playing with the Norwegian.

“It’s good,” he added. “I’ve got to learn to read his flick-ons but it’s always good to have an experienced guy right up there with you.”

Villa sit seventh in the Premier League table, four points behind Tottenham Hotspur who currently occupy fourth. However, despite the draw against Sunderland, Delfouneso remains positive.

“It would have been better to get three points but we’ve got to look at it as another point gained,” he said.

“We’ve got to keep pushing and take it on to the next game and try to get three points from that.”

“We’re still pushing, we’re still up there and maybe other results have gone our way.”

“We’ve got to stay confident and keep going.”