Warnock pays tribute to O'Neill

Dec 11 2006

SHEFFIELD United boss Neil Warnock always believed Martin O'Neill would be a hit this season - no matter which club lured the man with the Midas touch.

Before joining Villa in the summer, O'Neill was in demand as several clubs chased the Ulster-man following his success at Celtic and Leicester.

Villa head to Bramall Lane tonight having lost just two of 16 Premiership matches this season.

And Warnock knows he faces a battle if his team are to make it three successive victories as they look to continue their revival.

"He's had a great start to the season," said Warnock on O'Neill. "But then I think wherever he would have gone, the side he would have been in charge of would be in the top half, top six.

"So I'm not surprised at what he's done at Villa, even though he's not changed many players. He's bought one or two, brought on a few others, and I'm sure he'll continue to do well.

"Martin's a smashing bloke. I like him on and off the field and it's nice to be competing with one another at the top level."