VILLAIN AND HERO. Gareth Southgate.

If Gareth Southgate were a household object he'd be appearing on a satellite channel as one of those all-purpose gadget things that can peel spuds, paper walls and tone abdominal muscles - and whats more, he would be conducting himself in a professional manner. Unfortunately he isn't a household object. However, he is the next best thing - a multifunction footballer.

"Adaptable.. Versatile.. Flexible.. Classy. Descriptions such as these can be found in almost every article written about him (including this one) and recent Villa and England performances prove that he can play absolutely bloody anywhere. "The fella's qot more positions than the Kama Sutra, " as BFR might say.

The spirit in which he approaches the game is also spot on. He displays pride and passion (anyone who has witnessed him belting out the national anthem knows that his commitment to the cause cannot be faulted) and, fair play to him, he also appreciates the importance of fair play, as the following incident demonstrates.

During his days at Palace, when he unwittingly added to Ray Keane's stamp collection, most of us would have been tempted to retaliate in fact many people would argue that Southgate was morally obliged to belt the idiotic Irishman. However, this is not Gareth's style and rather than seek revenge he just got on with the game, which in the circumstances surrounding that particular match was just as well.

Gareth Southgate proves that it is possible to maintain a winning mentality without becoming a mental whinger - an example that his mouthy manc counterpart would -do well to follow.

Southgate is the kind of lad you would want your daughter to bring home for tea (What d'ya mean you wouldn't care if your son brought home Dale Winton provided he played for the Villa?). Unlike Mark Draper, Southgate is educated - boosting more o'levels that I've had hot pies. Whilst he might not be graced with the chiselled good looks of former favourites (Cowans? Ormondroyd?), his polite nature makes him , the model professional, hence his role as the Villa's PFA representative.

Then just when you thought Gareth was getting too goody goody for his own good, however, along comes an element of anarchy. Perhaps an unlikely looldng punk rocker, his part in the introduction of the Sex Pistols at Finsbury Park didn't go unnoticed. Unfortunately, neither did his semi-final penalty miss a few days later. You might remember the one I mean.

Much has been written and spoken about that penalty, with all manner of players, pundits, parents and prime ministers putting their two penn'orth in.

"It's only a qame," said some woman in the pub, naively.

"Gareth's a man, " pointed out Terry Venables, somewhat unnecessary. "He wanted to take a penalty stood up and took one. I'm sure he will be stronger for it."

"I, am so proud of him," beamed his mum, Barbara, echoing the sentiments of the entire nation.

"For sure, you've been one of the stars of the tournament." claimed Jurgen Klinsmann, echoing the sentiments of the entire nation.

Even the Prime Minister offered his commiserations, to which Southgate replied "P*ss off you grey Tory git!" echoing the sentiments of the ent.......

....... No , he didn't really. I should imagine Gareth was his usual diplomatic self, which shows the true measure of the man; can you imagine missing a crucial penalty and being hugged by John Major on the same day, yet still managing to put on a brave face? Things can only get better.

But surely the ultimate tribute to Gareth Southgate is that my tightfisted mate was even willing to fork out a few quid to have the great man's name adorn his replica shirt.

"I'm even willing to fork out a few quid to have the great man's name adorn my replica shirt" claimed the stingy sod, confirming Southgate's meteoric rise to fame.

Fears that Southgate would suffer a torrent of abuse from opposition fans this season have also been unfounded, proof that supporters everywhere recognise a class act when they see one. He's even had the audacity to turn his failure into profitable triumph courtesy of Pizza Hut.

So, all that now remains to be said is that Gareth Southgate - future Villa and England captain, articulate ambassador, potential punk rocker and all round good egg - we salute you.

Mathew Kendrick