O'Neill: We missed McCann
23 Oct 2006 - 13:01:50
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was far from happy despite seeing his side stretch their unbeaten start to the new season to nine games with a 1-1 home draw against Fulham.
Villa have won three and drawn six in the Premiership this term, but O'Neill felt they were below-par against the Cottagers.
He told the Birmingham Post: "We didn't play well. It was a disappointing display, but it would be difficult to be throwing major criticism at the players.
"They have done really well, but this was an opportunity for us to put the first half against Tottenham behind us, go and win the game and play with a bit of gusto and panache.
"It was a poor game. I didn't think Fulham caused us too many problems but that is not the point. We are at home, the onus is on us to attack and play and we couldn't get going for long enough.
"We missed Gavin McCann, but we are a Premiership side and we have got to be able to deal with these sorts of things.
"We missed his influence. He has been playing splendidly.
"Until we get a stronger squad about us, then we are going to miss the good players."
