Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill tips trio to keep Villa on track
O'Neill is hoping Agbonlahor will have overcome a virus in time for Saturday's Premier League clash at Stoke.[LNB]Agbonlahor missed Villa's 4-2 win at Reading in an FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday with a stomach bug and was also unable to train on Monday.[LNB]Carew seized his opportunity in the absence of Agbonlahor to score a hat-trick against Reading and inspire a second-half comeback.[LNB]O'Neill said: "We have scored a flurry of goals recently against Reading and Burnley. I think the players are improving in that aspect. They want to get into the penalty area to score.[LNB]"Gabby's record is very good this season and John will hopefully charge on and get that second wind for the last part of the season - and we have Emile too.[LNB]"I hope between that talented group of players we get enough goals to see us through. We are still in there fighting."[LNB]O'Neill added: "Because of the cup runs and because of the League Cup semis, a replay against Crystal Palace and the postponed Premier League games, it means it's going to be pretty hectic between now and the end of the season.[LNB]"But it's going to be pretty exciting if we can stay in there and hang in there.[LNB]"Saturday's game against Stoke will be extremely difficult, followed by an equally difficult away trip to Wigan in mid-week. But we've got to hang in, try and stay the course and stay with it."[LNB]Villa's players reported back for training on Thursday after being given a couple of days' break, with O'Neill hoping Agbonlahor will be showing signs of recovery ahead of the meeting with Tony Pulis' side.[LNB]O'Neill said: "Gabby was pretty ill on Sunday and also missed training earlier this week. I am hoping it is one of those 48-to-72-hour viruses that will then clear up."[LNB][LNB] Barclays Prem To Be in Top 4 Win Outright: Aston Villa 7/2
