Phil Neville reveals what he told Aston Villa man before super sub exploits

Inter Miami manager Phil Neville has revealed what he told Aston Villa striker Indiana Vassilev before he dramatically won their MLS game against Minnesota.

The Villa forward was introduced in the 83rd minute when he replaced Ariel Lassister with Miami trailing 1-0 and heading for their first home defeat since April. Vassilev instantly rewarded Neville for putting him on after four minutes when his left-footed attempt levelled the scoring.

But the American wasn't finished there and in the 90th minute, volleyed the ball past Dayne St. Clair after Gonzalo Higuain's free kick was not cleared by the visitors. The brace was Vassilev's first goals since returning for a second loan spell in May and adds to the three he scored last season for the MLS side.

Neville, who had started Vassilev in three of the four previous games, was full praise of the Villa loanee after the win and explained what words of encouragement he used before he entered the proceedings..

"I pulled him [aside] before the game and the one thing I said to him is that your goals will come.

"Just compose yourself a little bit more. He's had three, four, five chances in games and just snatched at it. He's getting more and more tense, the more games he doesn't score. I said, 'Look, you'll get your chance today and you've just got to compose yourself'.

"I'm really, really proud of Indiana," he continued. "Since he's come in, he's totally livened up the place again. He's a really good kid."

Vassilev and Miami are next in action on Tuesday July 5 away at Dallas, with 17 more games remaining of the MLS season.