O'Neill gets priorities straight

Martin O'Neill insists he has 'no regrets' about entering the Uefa Cup despite using the competition to rotate his squad. The Aston Villa boss will once again send a much-changed party to Russia for the second leg of the club's last 32 showdown with CSKA Moscow on Thursday.O'Neill believes securing a top-four finish in the Premier League is the prioirty for his side this season, with Europe an added bonus.He does believe continental action will help the development of his young side, though, and hopes to be in a better position to compete on numerous fronts next term.O'Neill, who has left eight first-team players at home ahead of the trip to Moscow, said: "I have no regrets whatsoever about entering the UEFA Cup."I am delighted because these experiences will definitely stand us in good stead.Big help"I am not just talking about the younger players like Gabby (Agbonlahor) and Ashley (Young) but also ones who have played a lot of international football like Gareth Barry and Stiliyan Petrov."I think the European games at club level have been terrific for everyone so there are no regrets. In many aspects, it has helped us immensely."Maybe this time next year, all these experiences that we have had will stand us in good stead."O'Neill added: "If we are still involved in Europe by this time next year, hopefully we will have the size of squad to be involved in these things."But the chairman (Randy Lerner) has entrusted me in the running of the football club. This is the way I am doing it at the minute."The Premier League, given the position we are in, is very important. Taking everything into account, we have to prioritise."

Source: SKY_Sports