Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill hails 'fantastic' Villa
Martin O'Neill hailed his 'developing' Aston Villa side after they rose to third in the table with success at Blackburn Rovers.[LNB] Villa continued their remarkable 2008/09 term as they secured a deserved 2-0 win at Ewood Park, with James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor netting the goals.[LNB]The result, coupled with Chelsea's stalemate with Hull City, now sees Villa an impressive third in the table and eight points above fifth-placed Arsenal.[LNB]O'Neill was full of praise for his side after the game, although he did admit to his concern before Agbonlahor finally wrapped up the match in injury-time.[LNB]He told Sky Sports: "It could have been more comfortable. We had a number of great chances to put the game beyond their reach, before we eventually did so.[LNB]"Those were worrying moments when you don't take the chances. We created a lot of chances today, especially considering we were away from home.[LNB]Record"But we have been playing strongly. There is good drive and determination among the team and I was absolutely delighted when we scored the late second goal. [LNB]"I was expecting a really difficult game. A lot of Blackburn Rovers' attacks started but then maybe failed about 15 to 20 yards from goal."[LNB]The victory secured a club-record seventh successive away league win, and O'Neill praised their impressive form on the road.[LNB]He added: "What the record tells me is an awful a lot about the team. I think the performances of the team have been fantastic. A lot of the players are playing very, very well at the moment.[LNB]"There is a lot of determination and energy. I am delighted with 51 points on the board, which is fantastic for us. We have got to try and keep the momentum going, which is going to be really difficult.[LNB]Heskey fitness"I believe they have belief now. They are developing into a reasonable team, not just with commitment and desire, which are essential, but with great ability. And today we showed that."[LNB]January signing Emile Heskey was replaced on 70 minutes by John Carew after he picked up what looked to be an Achilles injury.[LNB]Of the striker's fitness, O'Neill added: "We are not exactly sure. We are hoping that it is not really serious. He was really sore. I hope he is not too badly injured."[LNB]
