Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill hails 'fantastic' Villa
Martin O'Neill hailed his 'developing' Aston Villa side after they rose to third in the table with success at Blackburn Rovers. Villa continued their remarkable 2008/09 term as they secured a deserved 2-0 win at Ewood Park, with James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor netting the goals.The result, coupled with Chelsea's stalemate with Hull City, now sees Villa an impressive third in the table and eight points above fifth-placed Arsenal.O'Neill was full of praise for his side after the game, although he did admit to his concern before Agbonlahor finally wrapped up the match in injury-time.He told Sky Sports: "It could have been more comfortable. We had a number of great chances to put the game beyond their reach, before we eventually did so."Those were worrying moments when you don't take the chances. We created a lot of chances today, especially considering we were away from home.Record"But we have been playing strongly. There is good drive and determination among the team and I was absolutely delighted when we scored the late second goal. "I was expecting a really difficult game. A lot of Blackburn Rovers' attacks started but then maybe failed about 15 to 20 yards from goal."The victory secured a club-record seventh successive away league win, and O'Neill praised their impressive form on the road.He added: "What the record tells me is an awful a lot about the team. I think the performances of the team have been fantastic. A lot of the players are playing very, very well at the moment."There is a lot of determination and energy. I am delighted with 51 points on the board, which is fantastic for us. We have got to try and keep the momentum going, which is going to be really difficult.Heskey fitness"I believe they have belief now. They are developing into a reasonable team, not just with commitment and desire, which are essential, but with great ability. And today we showed that."January signing Emile Heskey was replaced on 70 minutes by John Carew after he picked up what looked to be an Achilles injury.Of the striker's fitness, O'Neill added: "We are not exactly sure. We are hoping that it is not really serious. He was really sore. I hope he is not too badly injured."