Monday Apr 23 2007 14:28
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has hinted that influential midfielder Gavin McCann may be one of the players he allows to leave the club at the end of this season.
O'Neill has already allowed strike duo Milan Baros and Juan Pablo Angel to exit Villa Park in the last three months and there are likely to be many more changes in the summer as the former Celtic manager attempts to revamp his squad.
McCann was a surprise omission from the starting line-up for Sunday's goalless draw with Portsmouth, fuelling speculation that the 29-year-old former Sunderland star could be heading out of the club.
"Gavin McCann has been absolutely terrific for us this season, but we've picked up points when he's been suspended," said O'Neill.
"It's actually encouraging for us in one aspect because in November and December we were searching around for players to put on the bench.
"We want to improve Aston Villa, it's as simple as that. Bigger clubs than us have got strong benches. We're not in the same league as the top four, but we want to try to get there. And we want to get there quickly.
"For next season I want us to be so strong that, if three of our players were out through injury, it wouldn't actually dent our chances.
"I could have lived for this day in November and December when we had no choice at all - and we even had to bring in a goalkeeper (Gabor Kiraly).
"If that's what it takes to make us decent and we can get a bit if strength in depth, I haven't got a problem with it."
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