Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill delight at Euro qualification
John Carew struck his 14th goal of the campaign 11 minutes before the interval to lift Villa back into fifth spot in the Premier League.
But more importantly the three points ensured that Villa will be competing in the revamped Europa League.
But Hull continue to find themselves deep in relegation trouble after another setback means they have taken just two points from the last seven matches.
O'Neill said: "This victory has confirmed European football for the second
year running which is an achievement in itself.
"Some years ago this club used to feast on European seasons but there has been a bit of a famine recently.
"We can't finish worse than sixth - the same position as last year - but we can still get fifth spot and that is the aim.
"There is obviously a tinge of disappointment at not keeping the battle going for fourth place but maybe now we can throw the shackles off and try and win the last few games."
O'Neill was full of praise for Carew who has been in outstanding form since returning from a three-month layoff with a back problem.
The Villa boss said: "John is doing really well. He seems to have had no recurrence of the back situation and he is as fit as he has been for a while.
"I'm very pleased with him and he is thriving on being so confident and
his popularity with the crowd."
Hull boss Phil Brown felt his side had missed an opportunity to move clear of the danger zone after the weekend defeats of Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom.
He said: "The bottom three got nothing from their games and this was an opportunity to put some daylight between ourselves and those clubs.
"We frustrated Villa and the longer the game stayed at 1-0, the more chance we had of getting something from it. This is an opportunity missed.
"From the last three games of the season, we have got to score some goals and get a win. I can't ask any more from my players in terms of spirit and commitment.
"I can demand more quality but pressure cooker situations like tonight can effect players.
"We stuck at our game plan but lacked the bit of quality you need at times until the final 15 minutes."
