WORLD CUP hopeful Tony Daley launched Aston Villa back to the top of Division One with a breathtaking contender for goal of the season at Villa Park yesterday.

The quicksilver 22 year-old winger celebrated his England B call with a performance that can only enhance his Italian ambitions.

And, to the eternal gratitude of Villa after two consecutive defeats, he crowned his audacious display with the 29th minute goal that knocked all the stuffing out of Luton's largely anonymous youngsters.

Daley, haring away from just inside the half-way line, dumped Mick Kennedy on his backside. He shrugged off his shirt pulling and then left debut defender Tim Allpress gasping at his phenomenal acceleration.

By then Daley was like a blur, but that did not detract from the incisive, acute-angled finish which gave Alec Chamberlain little chance.

Bobby Robson's other Villa contender David Platt made certain of the win that puts them two points clear of Liverpool when he comfortably converted his 22nd goal of the season four minutes into the second half. John Dreyer completely misjudged Paul McGrath's high lob to leave Platt in the clear.

"It was an exceptional individual goal, the kind that would set any game alight," said Taylor. "But I am sure that Tony is likely to get one a season like that during his career because he has such exceptional pace and the ability to get out of tight situations.

"His goal came at an important time for us, because the important

"It was a very one-sided game and sometimes it's hard to convert your possession into goals. But I'm quite happy with the result."

"Last time we lasted just seven days at the top and I never said anything then, either."