O'Neill laughs off Berger loan bid

Jun 29 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has laughed off suggestions that Patrik Berger could have been lured away from Villa Park to Oldham Athletic.

And O'Neill has stressed that the former Czech international, who should put the finishing touches to his new one-year contract soon after he returns to training on Wednesday, will play a key role at the club next season.

A statement on Oldham's official website had read that their managing director, Simon Corney, had "contacted their Villa Park counterparts about a temporary deal for the 33-year-old".

But O'Neill, now working furiously to bring in reinforcements after returning from a family holiday, knew nothing of it.

"It's the first I've heard about it," he said. "Patrik Berger has agreed a new one-year contract and I'm delighted about that.

"There's no chance of him being sent out on loan. He did enough over the last few months of the season to earn another deal and he's very much in our plans for next season. I just don't know where that story came from."

Berger has already spoken of his excitement at facing the new season, his third in a Villa shirt.

"We have a new owner, a new manager and several new players, so it's an exciting time for the club," he said. "The new training ground is ready for the upcoming campaign so everything is moving forward. I think we will be challenging for a spot in Europe next season."