O'Neill discounts Capello's presence for Villa pair's form

Jan 7 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill discounted stage fright as a reason behind an unusually subdued display from Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor.

It had been suggested the attendance of new England boss Fabio Capello might have affected the pair. But O'Neill was having none of it.

"Were they affected by Capello's presence? You may have to ask them but it never entered my head. Was he here today? But then I'm not 21 and trying to play for England," he said.

"Gabby and Ashley have been threatening to go past players all season and have been playing with a freedom of expression. It wasn't there today but give United credit. They may have all the flair in the world but they were steadfast defensively.

"It is a fantastic compliment to Ashley Young that even a team like United were doubling up on him after just one season in the Premier League.

"And Gabby has got a lot of potential. We have a lot of players with potential who are definitely going to get better.

"Some of the younger players – and the older ones too with players like Martin Laursen – their performances have been terrific.

"The litmus test is them playing against Manchester United in a big Cup game, but I think these players will all improve.

"United have a quality of player that we would like to get to, with everyone comfortable on the ball.

"I am sure Fabio will have plenty of time to assess all the English players between now and the summer time before the main business starts for him in September with the World Cup qualifiers."