Aston Villa FC

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• Founded:1874
• Manager:Gerard Houllier

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Replay success thrills O'Neill

25 Feb 2010 - 12:47:00

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was pleased with the level of commitment his players showed in the FA Cup fifth-round replay success against Crystal Palace particularly as the game came only four days before the Carling Cup final against Manchester United.

Villa eventually beat their Championship opponents 3-1 to set up a quarter-final clash with Reading on March 7.

O'Neill said: "We went strongly with our side in this game and injuries are always a risk but the players were prepared to take that risk.

"All the players were prepared to go for it and I didn't see one shirking anything at all ahead of Sunday.

"That speaks volumes for the team and the tremendous commitment they showed in addition to the fantastic ability they have.

"We went very strongly at the game and deserved to win it. We spurned a lot of chances and needed a second goal. Palace played some good stuff in the second half but we got through in the end."