Villa cool on Larsson link
24 Oct 2006 - 10:28:10
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has denied rumours he has begun moves to sign Henrik Larsson during the January transfer window.
The Swedish striker enjoyed a stunningly successful spell under O'Neill's guidance at Celtic before moving on to Barcelona and then, last summer, to Helsingborgs.
O'Neill believes Larsson is still capable of making a major impact on the Premiership at 35, but does not expect he will have the chance to prove it.
"Henrik is a very fine player but, if you are asking me have I been in touch with Henrik recently, the answer is no. That's genuine," insisted the Villains boss.
"I was in touch just to talk about the European Cup final but that was some time ago."
He added: "It is only in May that Henrik came on against Arsenal for Barcelona and helped to change the Champions League final.
"That is only four or five months ago and I can't imagine for one minute he has lost his sparkle and fitness in that space of time."