Aston Villa under-23 player ratings vs Norwich: Hart and O'Reilly excellent, Chukwuemeka strong

Taylor-Jay Hart and Brad Young were the heroes as Aston Villa's under-23s ran out 2-0 winners against Norwich in front of a decent-sized crowd at Villa Park.

Steven Gerrard and his entire backroom staff were in attendance casting their watchful eyes over the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Tim Iroegbunam and Ben Chrisene, with the latter forced off at half-time after picking up a knock.

It was Chrisene's replacement at the break, Paul Appiah, who teed-up Hart for the opener with the midfielder finishing well from the defender's cut-back.

Norwich threatened throughout and struck the post on the hour while Villa stopper Viljami Sinisalo was in top form.

Villa, though, wrapped it up in stoppage time when Young finished well from substitute Tristan Abldeen-Goodridge's through-ball while, at the death, Iroegbunam was sent off for a second yellow card.

BirminghamLive's Ashley Preece was at Villa Park and here's how he rated Villa's youngsters who climb to fourth in Premier League 2:

Excellent throughout and a strong shout for man of the match given his immaculate display in goal. Saved everything that came his way and would have impressed Neil Cutler who was alongside Gerrard.

Enjoyed a really good first half. Barber, 16, has great pace and he got into some threatening areas. Showcased good delivery while, in the second half, shifted to left-back with no problems at all and struck a powerful effort at Norwich's goal.

In for his first start at Villa Park and his first 90 minutes since November. Really comfortable in possession and even put in a strong tackle whilst still clutching an energy gel. Looks like a top prospect.

Always a good watch, is Feeney. Good in the air here as well. Convinced he's got a big future