It almost went unnoticed because of the controversy surrounding David Ginola's tempestuous relationship with John Gregory, but a real boys' own tale was played out at Villa Park this weekend.

Even the most ardent soccer fans would have been hard pushed to notice the name Damien Delaney on Leicester City's teamsheet for their fourth round FA Cup encounter with Aston Villa. But to those who follow the fortunes of Cork City, the name may be a little more familiar.

It was just over two months ago that the 19-year-old left for the Premier League club in a £50,000 deal. However, injuries to Muzzy Izzet and Stefan Oakes meant that Delaney was handed his debut by England's stand-in coach for the tie at Villa Park - a hostile baptism given that little goodwill exists between the clubs from East and West Midlands.

Leicester's Callum Davidson was given his marching orders in first-half injury-time for a challenge on Steve Staunton that sparked a mini-brawl inside the Villa penalty area. Then Villa's Darius Vassell saw red for a second bookable offence with just 34 minutes left.

Substitute Arnar Gunnlaugsson gave Leicester victory. The Icelandic international lashed a left-foot shot past David James with just six minutes left after Julian Joachim had given last year's finalists hope of a replay. Ade Akinbiyi had put the visitors in front.

Delaney, however, managed to cope with the tempo and provided ample cover in front of Leicester's back three, earning him the praise of manager Taylor who couldn't believe his good fortune as Leicester made it into round five.

"I thought Damien was outstanding," he said, "he's never played before for us and only knew on the day before the game that he was playing. In fact, we've only had him training with the first-team for about a week now.

"Because of the injuries, he had to be thrown straight in. He's only been with us for two or three months altogether and he will only have benefited from all of this.

"I think he has played before crowds of 60,000 in an all-Ireland final or something, but this was different. He's come through it really well, which bodes well for him, and us."

The player himself was still struggling to take it all in after the final whistle. "It was a great experience," he said, "it was just a great thrill to be involved and I really enjoyed myself out there.

"A few months ago I was playing for Cork City and now I'm starting a game alongside Roberto Mancini and the like. What can you say about that?" There is an immediate snag to his prospects of an extended run in the side.

Leicester travel to Southampton on Wednesday but a sending-off in a reserve team game against Derby County two weeks ago has put paid to that happening as he is suspended. But given manager Taylor's comments, there's a fair chance the Premier League hasn't heard the last of the young midfielder.