Aston Villa Football Club News

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

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill gives Davis hope

23 Mar 2007 - 12:48:27

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is adamant that Steven Davis is still in his first-team plans, even though the Northern Ireland international was not included in the squad for the dismal goalless draw with Liverpool.

The 22-year-old was in outstanding form last term, but has struggled to recapture that level of performance on a regular basis this season.

Even though Davis has not started a Premiership game since mid-January, O'Neill told Villa's official website: "Sunday's game was the first time he's been out of the 16 all season.

"It's his second full season after having done so well before and he's not the first young player to struggle to find his feet after an impressive start.

"With the balance of trying to win some games with young players coming into the side and trying to gradually improve your lot - a lot of the things that are happening are to be expected.

"We were going into games around the Christmas period where the bulk of the side was made up from lads from the academy. That's asking a lot of players like Steven Davis."

The midfielder has made 98 appearances for the club since making his debut as a substitute in the goalless draw at Norwich City in September 2004.