O'Neill throws caution to wind

Aug 16 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has no plans to curb Villa's attacking instincts at Newcastle.

O'Neill deployed Ashley Young as almost a third striker playing in the "hole" behind Gabby Agbonlahor and John Carew in Villa's opening day loss to Liverpool and pre-season victory over Inter Milan.

Patrik Berger has picked up a hamstring injury which has taken him out of the equation for the trip to St James' Park, but O'Neill appears unlikely to change his outfield set-up with Scott Carson almost certain to replace Stuart Taylor in goal.

"We shouldn't really be wanting to curb our attacking ideas", said O'Neill. "If we could just tighten up a little bit, especially when we haven't got the ball, then I honestly believe we will start to do better.

"I do believe we're capable of scoring and while it didn't flow on Saturday as it did against Inter Milan, we can get back to that and that's the type of football I want to see."

Villa head to the North-East on the back of last season's five-game unbeaten away record which saw them notch three victories at Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Manchester City and draws at Fulham and Bolton.

They have not been beaten since their 2-0 loss at Reading in January.

"Playing away is different from playing at home, where the onus is on you to go and attack," O'Neill added. "But I think the bit of form we showed at the back-end of last season will give us confidence away from home.

"The confidence has not been knocked by the defeat against Liverpool. Had we been able to get something from the game, we would have been off and running. But once we get going, we'll be fine."

Nigel Reo-Coker was an impressive performer on his debut against Liverpool and will no doubt be a central figure again at Newcastle in his role of midfield anchorman.

But O'Neill does not see him becoming any more important away from home than at Villa Park.

"I just think he'll be crucial anyway," he added.