O'Neill still keen on top half finish

Apr 2 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has urged his players to grab the chance of finishing in the top half of the Premiership with both hands.

Villa head into tonight's clash with Everton looking to close the six-point gap on Blackburn.

They now have eight games in six weeks with O'Neill hoping they can turn performances into points.

He said: "We could play the next couple of games and still be looking over our shoulder. By the same token if we win some matches we'll get into a more comfortable position. Top half is a distinct possibility.

"It is easy for me to say that but we have to make it happen. We have to do something about it, we have to defend a wee bit better and we have to try and score a few goals when we have the opportunities."

O'Neill is full of admiration for what sixth-placed Everton have done this season.

David Moyes' side are four points behind fifth-placed Bolton.

"They're going great", said O'Neill. "We played and beat them up at Goodison Park - although it seems a long, long time ago. But they're up there in the table because they deserve to be.

"They have got good consistency, they keep going. They have a good resilience about them and they have a lot of good players."

Villa will be looking for their first win since February 3 and only their third since the 1-0 success at Goodison Park in November, which sent them third.

Olof Mellberg is fit after a slight head injury, so the only likely change may see Shaun Maloney replace Gabby Agbonlahor who is fit following a knee injury but has been struggling for form.