Zat Knight Rightly Saluted

Martin O’Neill has waxed lyrical about defender Zat Knight who filled the void left by Martin Laursen both in defence and attack!

The Villa boss said on AVTV: ‘Zat’s attitude has been fantastic and he’s never let his head drop. He was disappointed with the goals we conceded out in Hamburg but once he knew he was going to be playing against Arsenal, his application was absolutely terrific. To go up there at the end of the game and control the ball like he did – with his right foot – and then finish with his left – was incredible. He showed the finishing skills of a seasoned striker. It was tremendous when he scored the equaliser. The noise was sensational – but that’s what can happen at Villa Park. It was unbelievable.’

Meanwhile Zat has told the Birmingham Mail about his frustrations at not making the first team. He says that the team have been doing so well he hasn’t been able to knock on Martin O’Neill’s door to complain adding, ‘If I had knocked I would have probably had it slapped back in my face.’



He also says that it was good for him to be able to ‘fill Martin Laursen’s boots and keep our run going’ and his hoping to be able to keep doing that as he confirms Laursen will be out for a few games.

‘The manager didn’t say anything to me before the game. But looking around the dressing room, I was the only fit centre-half. I just had to make sure I got my head right and I thought defensively we did well to keep them down to three shots.’

Great to see him do so well yesterday, he does come up for a fair amount of stick but I am sure scoring in front of the Holte, where he stood as a kid supporting Villa, must have made the frustrations more than worth it!