Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders is prepared to make another big-money signing if the club’s promising crop of youngsters fail to make the grade next season.

Saunders, who has just put skipper lan Ross and Chico Hamilton on the transfer list said after Villa’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday:

“I have been reasonably happy with the side’s performances in the First Division but I shall be looking next season for an all-round improvement.

“If we are going to reach the top we will have to show far more consistency and I may have to enter the transfer market again if the youngsters don’t come up to scratch.

“But I am pleased with their progress so far and it is a very healthy sign to see that 16 of my professional squad of 23 are 21 or under. We must be the youngest outfit in the First Division.”

Saunders added: “I thought we might have done a lot better in the First Division this season but we had a crop of injuries and we were never able to field a settled side.

“I am sure that we have benefited from our experiences and now that we know something about life in the First Division. I trust we will put it to good use next term.”

Villa signed off with a victory which, although not of classic proportions, was justly deserved. It was fitting that the 52nd minute winner should come from Frank Carrodus, whose non-stop running and effort kept his side ticking over. Carrodus’s goal - his first of the season - came when Villa looked as if they would have to settle for another draw.

The impressive Deehan had given Villa a magnificent start with a headed goal in the first minute after goalkeeper Jim Piet, under pressure from Gray, had punched the ball straight out to the England youth International.

It should have been the signal for an avalanche but Ray Graydon’s shooting, for once, was off-target and Villa gave away their customary goal when Ross let in John Hickton for the 31st-minute equaliser.

Villa took control of the second-half after Carrodus’s goal and, when Middlesbrough did raise their game near the end. 20-year-old goalkeeper Jake Findlay competently dealt with all the shots that reached him.