The players who were so dramatically thrust into the spotlight by being named in the starting XI in Villa's now notorious trip to Moscow last month: Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and Nathan Delfouneso are obviously the young stars who are shining brightest at Bodymoor Heath. But, the big question is: Are they light years away from the first team or shooting their way towards immediate stardom?
In order to find the answer to this question, Villa-MAD reporter Eoin Manning decided to take closer look at the prospects of the talented trio.
Marc Albrighton
Yet to play a Premier League game, Albrighton has been making great strides for Kevin McDonald's reserve team. The winger has been playing in the reserves since the 2006/2007 season and at only 19 he is improving year by year.
A contributor of goals from midfield, and given O'Neill's obvious preference for playing with out-and-out wingers, there is every chance that the Tamworth born player will build on his first team debut against CSKA in Moscow.
Given the dubious distinction of being named the club's official number 45 this year; Albrighton could well be given a chance to feature in the Carling Cup next year. Whether or not he can displace the likes of Ashley Young or James Milner remains to be seen.
Amazingly rejected by West Bromwich Albion as a youngster, the wide man is contracted to the club until 2010. And with tricks aplenty and energy to burn he will be given every chance.
Barry Bannan
A busy and confident midfielder, Bannan has plenty of admirers at Villa Park and the young Scottish ball player is furthering his burgeoning reputation on loan at Derby County. He even managed to net a debut goal, making an instant impact when brought on at half time against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Bannan has also impressed in his two appearances for the Villa first team, both of which came in this season's UEFA Cup.
When used as a second half substitute in December against Hamburg, Bannan could have been forgiven for shirking his responsibilities and playing out time. But, the diminutive winger showed great composure and conviction to get on the ball as he tried to make things happen, despite a weakened Villa team trailing 3-0 at the time.
He was again handed the thankless task, along with some other youth team players, of attempting to beat an excellent CSKA Moscow side last month in a game that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Nevertheless, Bannan displayed his metal and courage and again impressed many with his work rate and ability.
The Villa midfield is very strong at the moment but should anyone pick up a long term injury or indeed leave the club (not looking at anyone in particular Mr. Barry) an opening could appear. There seems no doubt that the dynamic Bannan is ready, willing and able to be the next player to be picked up from the conveyer belt that is the youth setup.
Nathan Delfouneso
Early indicators about "The Fonz" are that he has the ability to eclipse anything done by Darius Vassell, Luke Moore or Gabriel Agbonlahor. That is to say eclipse players who have played for England in World Cups, who have moved around the Premier League for significant sums of money and who are among the top scorers in England's top division.
Already pushing for a start in O'Neill's Champions League chasing outfit, Delfouneso is equipped with everything a centre forward could ever wish for. He stands at 6ft 1" tall, he moves at great pace, he has wonderful natural skill and he has only just turned 18.
But wait, it gets better.
The prolific reserve team marksman also has the one vital ingredient that sets him even further apart from his peers. That ingredient is the touch of a natural goal scorer in the mould of a Robbie Fowler, a Gary Lineker or even a Jimmy Greaves.
This gift is something that cannot be taught or bought but rather it is something certain players are blessed with and those who have followed Delfouneso's career to this point will be cautiously optimistic that the young striker has it in abundance.
A brilliant left foot volley on his first senior start in the UEFA Cup against MSK Zilina in December 2008 and an instinctive finish to redirect a miss-hit Moustapha Salifou shot just weeks later in the same competition away against Hamburg caught everyone's attention.
A deft diving header in early February against Doncaster in an FA Cup replay confirmed what many dared to believe - this player is something very very special.
What he achieves in his Aston Villa career is down to application and luck with injuries. He has all the tools to be a genuinely outstanding Premiership and International player.
A mention must go to left-back Stephen O'Halloran who has already represented the Republic of Ireland's senior team, midfielders Shane Lowry and Chris Herd who are registered with senior squad and defenders Nathan Baker, Ciaran Clark and Eric Lichaj.
Of every group of talented young players that emerge, some make it, some don't. Those who are talented enough will be given their chance as has always been the way at Aston Villa. Who of the current crop will become a first team regular remains to be seen but if Delfouneso doesn't then people will be eating their hats all over the West Midlands.