O'Neill expecting hungry Villans

14 January 2010 08:37
O'Neill's stars have been left kicking their heels for the last 12 days since beating Blackburn in the third round of the FA Cup.[LNB]The winter weather that has gripped the country put paid to the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final with Rovers last Tuesday and then Saturday's league game at Wigan.[LNB]That has left the Villa squad frustrated and itching for a return to action, which should be on Thursday night at Ewood Park providing there is no late drama with the conditions.[LNB]"Because there have been almost universal postponements, I don't think it's as big a problem as you might imagine," said O'Neill.[LNB]"Yes, we've a couple of league cup semi-finals to play, and they have to be played midweek, and they're an extra couple of games.[LNB]"But they're an extra couple of games we're delighted to be playing in.[LNB]"So overall, it's been frustrating, the frustration stemming from the fact we've travelled overnight to our last two games, and both have been called off the next day.[LNB]"However, that's the nature of things, and you just get on with it.[LNB]"If we had known the games were going to be called off then you could almost have treated it like a mini break.[LNB]"But because you've prepared for something, expecting it to happen and then it doesn't materialise, I don't consider it as a break as such.[LNB]"Therefore it's not the same as if you've gone away to Dubai or something like that for a couple of days.[LNB]"If you've had the luxury of doing that, then well done. That's what I would call a proper break.[LNB]"But now we've got these two games - hopefully. We've gone this far and we're going to try and put everything into them."[LNB]Although O'Neill refers to the Premier League as the 'holy grail' he recognises at this stage of a cup competition the possibility of silverware deserves respect.[LNB]"At this stage I just think getting into a position to contest a League Cup final would be great news for the football club," added O'Neill.[LNB]"I've said it before and I'm reiterating, since 1982 Aston Villa haven't contested that many finals.[LNB]"There's been a couple of League Cup wins which have been great and there was the final of the FA Cup in 2000.[LNB]"But perhaps you would be expecting a little bit more and, as the expectation rises here, I am hoping we are able to accommodate that expectation."[LNB]O'Neill has no fresh injury concerns to contend with and is likely to name a full-strength side, albeit with goalkeeper Brad Guzan to continue his cup duties ahead of regular number one Brad Friedel.[LNB][LNB] Blackburn v Aston Villa. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk