Source: Team_Talk
Friendly timing frustrates O'Neill
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has hit out at the timing of an international friendly just 72 hours before the start of the new season.[LNB] O'Neill could lose up five potential England players - James Milner, Stephen Warnock, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Stewart Downing - for next Wednesday's friendly with Hungary.[LNB]But in addition Richard Dunne, Stiliyan Petrov, Brad Guzan and John Carew are likely to be called up by the Republic Of Ireland, Bulgaria, United States and Norway respectively.[LNB]O'Neill, whose side face West Ham at Villa Park on August 14, said: "It is a problem to have an international match the week before the season starts.[LNB]"I think that international football has been well and truly accommodated by the Premier League and all leagues around Europe in terms of games (next Wednesday).[LNB]"Then, in early September, there are two internationals in quick succession and the players are away for almost two weeks and it eats into the season.[LNB]"From that viewpoint, it is a bit of a nuisance."[LNB]Meanwhile Villa defender Carlos Cuellar is battling to be fit for the clash with the Hammers.[LNB]The Spanish player suffered a hamstring strain in the weekend Guadiana Cup clash with Benfica in Portugal.
