Aston Villa back four not such a headache for Martin O'Neill

Jan 17 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

VILLA's problematic right-back slot might not be so problematic after all, according to Martin O'Neill.

The club have been without a recognised No.2 since Mark Delaney's retirement and the departures of Aaron Hughes and Phil Bardlsey.

But Olof Mellberg's consistently good form and dependability and the versatility of deputy Craig Gardner have made O'Neill's search less of a necessity.

Villa have been linked to Jose Boswinga, Pascal Chimbonda, Lassana Diarra and Miguel of Valencia but it appears O'Neill is prepared to go with what he has until the end of the season.

He said: "At this minute, getting what we would call a recognised right-back is a thought but it is not as overwhelming as you think.

"I am sure that everybody would feel it is something we would definitely look at, but it is not overwhelming in that sense.

"Getting this squad up to scratch in positions is obviously something I would like to try to do, if I can."

O'Neill is full of praise for the way centre-back Mellberg and midfielder Gardner have filled in with the minimum of fuss.

"I have been particularly pleased with Olof Mellberg and obviously Craig Gardner when he has gone there," said O'Neill.

"In fact, because Craig played there for us he got picked for the England Under-21s at right-back.

"He got picked on that strength.

"Craig likes to play and while he is obviously a midfield player going forwards, he can give you the option of getting forward.

"And defensively he wouldn't be as sound as Olof, as we know, but we are trying to improve his game.

"I have been really pleased. In an ideal world Olof would want to play centre-half but he has gone there (right-back) without questioning it.

"He has adjusted and scored a couple of goals for us as well. I have been very pleased."