 His first-team debut had come earlier that year when he replaced Gary Shaw for the final twelve minutes of the European Super Cup victory at home to Barcelona.He had not featured in Villa's title-winning team of 1981 nor the European Cup winning side of 1982.During Villa's decline he was the mainstay of their midfield – able to play on the right or in the centre – and through his tenacious performances became a Holte End favourite.