Davies backs Villa boss O'Neill over signings

Feb 5 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

CURTIS Davies has defended Martin O'Neill's cautious approach in the January transfer window.

O'Neill brought in only Wayne Routledge - on the mark with a wonder volley for the reserves at Derby County last night - and lost the services of Gary Cahill.

Following the defeat at Fulham, O'Neill was still speaking in terms of his scarce resources.

He said: "We might not be strong enough and it's something we have to address."

But Davies, who will complete his loan switch from Albion at the close of the season, has backed the manager.

"It's not just about getting numbers up, it is about quality," Davies said.

"I know the gaffer tried to bring in a keeper but unfortunately that didn't work out.

"Because we have got one of the smallest squads in the Premier League people may have expected us to sign a few more but the gaffer knows what he is doing.

"He likes to make shrewd signings rather than lots of signings and hopefully it will work out for us and we can get by without any injuries or suspensions."

With Gabriel Agbonlahor a doubt for the weekend's clash with Newcastle, Davies believes Marlon Harewood is a prime example of the quality waiting in the wings to make an impact.

"We haven't signed many players but we have got good quality players already at the club, and Marlon is one of those," said Davies.

"Everyone saw what he did against Liverpool and when he came on against Blackburn he made things happen.

"He can liven things up and I'm sure that if he is given a starting role he can show what he is about."

Meanwhile, Davies has called for an element of perspective amid all the doom and gloom following the weekend defeat which sees Villa still in sixth.

"There is reason for hope but in our last three games we have drawn two and lost one, so we could be much higher up the table than we are," he said.

* Nathan Delfounso, aged 17, and an England youth international, will sign a professional contract for Villa today.