Zat has big role to play at Villa

Aug 30 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill insists that new signing Zat Knight has not been brought in to make up the numbers but to improve his team.

The £3.5million arrival from Fulham is up against Olof Mellberg, Martin Laursen and Gary Cahill in the fight for a first-team jersey.

But the Villa boss has every faith the 27-year-old former England defender will grasp the opportunity.

"He's spent eight years at Fulham and it was probably a wrench leaving for him," O'Neill said.

"But hopefully now that he can produce the performances I know he's capable of doing then he'll be a big, big asset for us. I'm genuinely excited about him.

"I've got no doubts about him - he'll get his games. He hasn't come here to hang around.

"He senses competition for places, which is what I wanted to add through the team.

"He's very confident in his ability and I think he has more than enough, not only to cope with what happens here but to cope with whatever is thrown at him."

O'Neill, lightheartedly but with a serious undertone, believes the 6ft 6in defender could be the complete footballer if he could work on his concentration.

"He's comfortable with the ball at his feet and won't mind me saying he occasionally goes to sleep.

"Preferably he does it after the game from now on!

"But he's got a lot of talent. I've seen a lot of him over the last couple of years and I've seen him play very well and very poorly.

"He's a lad with a lot of potential and natural talent for one so tall."

O'Neill is now close to capturing a recognised right-back before tomorrow night's transfer deadline.

"I'm reasonably confident we will add to the squad," he added...SUPL: