Graham Taylor tips Aston Villa for the top

Jun 10 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill was today tipped to take Villa into the Champions League on a regular basis by former manager Graham Taylor.

Taylor admits Villa are playing catch-up after a 12-year period since they were last in the top four under Brian Little in 1996.

But he believes O'Neill will get there with hard graft.

"Villa have had some catching up to do because there have been some missed opportunities in years gone by.

"But that's in the past now and Villa look like they can reclaim their place in football's upper echelons. I certainly hope they can do that.

"It will take a lot of hard work but Martin O'Neill is well on his way to leading the club back to the glory land.

"I expect him to get them back into the top four and playing Champions League football on a regular basis. If he does that, there will be no-one happier than me.

"I've known Martin for many, many years and he has a simplicity about his football. He gets that from his mentor Brian Clough.

"If you are a defender, your job is to defend; if you're a centre-forward, you're there to score goals; if you're a wide man, you get crosses in.

"With Martin you will see a very well-organised side who play simple, progressive, winning football. That will satisfy the majority of supporters, particularly at a club where they have been off the top for many years."