O'Neill wary of fired-up Fulham

Aug 24 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill believes Villa will be coming up against a Fulham side tomorrow still smarting from the injustice of their equalising 'goal' against Middlesbrough not standing.

David Healy's effort appeared to be well over the line but was ruled out as Fulham slumped to a second controversial defeat in three opening games following their late collapse at Arsenal.

O'Neill says the Londoners will be fired up.

"I just think Fulham will be difficult," he said. "I watched them against Bolton Wanderers last Tuesday night and I think they are smarting under the injustice of not getting the David Healy goal against Middlesbrough.

"Steven Davis will be coming. I don't think Aaron Hughes will be fit to play, but they'll be coming full of determination."

O'Neill was interested in bringing former Albion striker Diomansy Kamara to Villa Park during the season but was put off by the £6million asking price.

It is believed O'Neill was prepared to pay only around half that amount and ended up doing a deal with West Ham for Marlon Harewood.

However, he is wary of the threat posed by the Senegal forward.

"There were moments last season where he would go past two or three players and you'd think 'that's wonderful'," he said.

"If it were on the international stage you'd be talking about him for ages. He has definitely got a lot of pace."