---
title: "Eric Black insists Villa youngsters will get chances"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2016/04/15/eric-black-insists-villa-youngsters-will-get-chances/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ed Payne"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2016-04-15T13:03:00Z"
modified: "2016-04-15T13:03:00Z"
---

# Eric Black insists Villa youngsters will get chances

Eric Black has reassured Villa’s talented young players that they will get the chance to impress, but insists that they must tick all the relevant boxes in order to be selected.

Jordan Lyden, Villa’s U-21 captain, was given his full debut by Black in last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth but was withdrawn at half time, but Black has said that his priority is to get results, not develop younger players.

![Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2016/04/518672314.jpg)

[Speaking](https://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~5495957,00.html) in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Manchester United, Black said:

> I have to assess what I see in training and the requirements for the team.
>
> If there was a young player and I thought he could cope with it physically, mentally and tactically then I will play him. There are a lot of things I have to consider.
>
> I am trying to win a game for Aston Villa. I am not here to develop the young players.
>
> If I see an opportunity to do something, I guarantee I will.
>
> I was the academy director at Celtic and I know how hard it is to get players in the team. But I will do that without doubt. I am not closed off to anything.

![Stu Forster/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2016/04/515431362.jpg)

The likes of Andre Green and Jordan Lyden are pressing for starts once again this weekend, hoping for the chance to impress against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, Black also has said that he won’t play younger players if they are not ready, regardless of the performances of the under performing more established players.

> What I won’t do is put kids in if I don’t think they are ready to play in the first team under the circumstances.
>
> First and foremost I want to get a result for Aston Villa. I have to focus on that more than using it as a development progamme. I am not going to do that.
>
> But if there are people I think are capable of ticking the boxes then I will certainly throw them in.

Do you agree with Eric Black, or should Villa be giving more opportunities to the likes of Green and Lyden?