Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Euro progress pleases O'Neill

03 Oct 2008 - 08:52:47

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is looking forward to more success in Europe this season after sealing a place in the group stage of the UEFA Cup with a comfortable first round victory against Litex Lovech.

Villa had done the hard work by winning 3-1 in Bulgaria two weeks ago and were happy to draw the second leg 1-1 at Villa Park with Marlon Harewood on the scoresheet for O'Neill's side.

A relaxed O'Neill said after the game: "Overall, I think we were reasonably comfortable throughout the evening.

"Marlon scored a good goal and that meant that instead of scoring three to get through the tie, they then needed three before they could even think about extra-time.

"We had opportunities to put it beyond them but sometimes in football it doesn't happen. I've had experience of these things.

"Then there's always a risk and at 1-1 it was slightly uncomfortable. But overall, over the two legs we deserved to get through and I'm absolutely delighted.

"We'll now have some splendid European evenings at Villa Park before Christmas and it's something for all of us to look forward to. I'm really looking forward to the draw and I genuinely couldn't be more pleased."