Martin O'Neill tells Aston Villa squad: Don't undo all the hard work

Mar 27 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill is in no mood for his side to throw away all their good work for the season as they approach the final furlong.

Villa have been in the top eight of the Premier League ever since their 2-1 win at Blues in November.

They now lie seventh, their lowest position since Boxing Day, and face a daunting trip to Manchester United on Saturday.

"This season we've hovered there or thereabouts and the last thing we want is for it to peter out - we have to keep going," said O'Neill.

"We still have enough games to go, we have the points to play for but we have to improve our form."

O'Neill is looking for his side to turn back the clock to the start of the month and reproduce their sparkling form at Arsenal.

"It seems strange for me to be saying this because it was only a couple of weeks ago that we performed so well against Arsenal but we simply have to get back to that kind of form," he said.

"Each match that arrives presents us with different problems, but it's all part of the Premier League.

"The thing about the big clubs is that they can all cope with it and they retain that hunger to stay in there.

"We haven't played so well and the disappointing thing is we have conceded poor goals and we have to give ourselves more of a chance.

"Last Saturday was particularly disappointing but we have to get over it and start again.

"Playing Manchester United is a big test in every aspect when you go to Old Trafford so we have to be ready, it's as simple as that."