Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton has suggested that caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald is “more of a man-manager” than departed predecessor Martin O’Neill.

Albrighton knows MacDonald well having progressed through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath under the watchful eye of Villa’s promoted reserve team manager.

The claret and blues got off to the perfect start under the temporary manager with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over West Ham at Villa Park on Saturday.

Albrighton has joined the chorus of dressing room backing for MacDonald to be given the position permanently, insisting he boasts different qualities to O’Neill.

“He is more of a man-manager,” said the 20-year-old. “He will get the best out of you. If you are not doing it right he will bawl at you and shout.

“I don’t think the lads are used to it but will take well to it. If you are not doing it right you have to be told.

“And if you are doing it right you need confidence breeding in you and I think he will do that.”

Albrighton was part of Villa’s second string side which won three consecutive reserve league titles under the guidance of MacDonald and is well-placed to discuss the caretaker’s attributes.

“He knows how to get the best out of a player,” said Albrighton.

“If you are not doing it right he will tell you but if you are doing it well he will heap the praise on you and put confidence into you.

“I don’t think you can ask for much more from a manager.

“I know what kind of man he is and the rest of us like him as the manager,” he said.

“With the manager bringing confidence to you it is a great feeling.

“He wants everything done right and with his style of management he gets everything done right.

“His record at reserve level has been brilliant so he will step into Martin O’Neill’s shoes for the next couple of weeks and I think he will do really well.”

Meanwhile, new arrival Stephen Ireland should make his Villa debut at Newcastle United on Sunday – his 24th birthday.

Ireland arrived at Villa Park from Manchester City this week as an £8 million makeweight in the club’s record sale of £26 million-rated James Milner with Villa also receiving £18 million cash from City for the England star.