Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill wants fans' backing
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill wants their fans to get behind the team in a bid to get their UEFA Champions League quest back on track.
The Midlands outfit had looked a good bet to finish in the top four just over a month ago, but a dip in form has allowed Arsenal to leapfrog them in the table.
Villa's task gets no easier this weekend when they travel to Anfield to take on in-form Liverpool and the former Celtic manager believes the recent criticism of his troops is a little harsh.
O'Neill is desperate to return to winning ways and has urged fans to get behind the team in Sunday's crucial match.
"I obviously accept all the criticism that is coming around," said O'Neill.
"Take the stick, take the punishment - that's my job. But I think some of it is over the top.
"It's only four weeks ago that Arsene Wenger was told to leave his job and a couple of years ago when Manchester United fans were phoning in to say Sir Alex has lost the plot - and they are the champions.
"It's entirely Villa fans' prerogative do what they want but I'm not so sure it's entirely helpful at the minute.
"Aston Villa might not for the next 25 years be in with the same chance of qualifying for the Champions League - you never know."
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