Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill gets priorities straight
Martin O'Neill insists he has 'no regrets' about entering the Uefa Cup despite using the competition to rotate his squad.[LNB] The Aston Villa boss will once again send a much-changed party to Russia for the second leg of the club's last 32 showdown with CSKA Moscow on Thursday.[LNB]O'Neill believes securing a top-four finish in the Premier League is the prioirty for his side this season, with Europe an added bonus.[LNB]He does believe continental action will help the development of his young side, though, and hopes to be in a better position to compete on numerous fronts next term.[LNB]O'Neill, who has left eight first-team players at home ahead of the trip to Moscow, said: "I have no regrets whatsoever about entering the UEFA Cup.[LNB]"I am delighted because these experiences will definitely stand us in good stead.[LNB]Big help"I am not just talking about the younger players like Gabby (Agbonlahor) and Ashley (Young) but also ones who have played a lot of international football like Gareth Barry and Stiliyan Petrov.[LNB]"I think the European games at club level have been terrific for everyone so there are no regrets. In many aspects, it has helped us immensely.[LNB]"Maybe this time next year, all these experiences that we have had will stand us in good stead."[LNB]O'Neill added: "If we are still involved in Europe by this time next year, hopefully we will have the size of squad to be involved in these things.[LNB]"But the chairman (Randy Lerner) has entrusted me in the running of the football club. This is the way I am doing it at the minute.[LNB]"The Premier League, given the position we are in, is very important. Taking everything into account, we have to prioritise."[LNB]
