Aston Villa needed a rest says Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill believes Aston Villa's players will reap the benefits of their sunshine break as they prepare for the final push for a Champions League spot.
Villa have returned from a five-day trip to Dubai to start the countdown in earnest to Sunday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Tottenham.
They have gone six games without a win in all competitions amidst fears of running out of steam after playing competitive football since early July via the Intertoto Cup.
But Villa still hold a three-point lead over Arsenal and O'Neill is confident the trip abroad will have recharged their batteries.
The former Celtic boss said: "When the team are together for more than an overnight stay for a game I think it is almost inevitable that the players bond and get on better.
"They are living together for a few days and I really think that experience helps the entire team.
"I felt it was important for us because we wanted to get prepared for this very tough run-in, mentally and physically.
"We have done some training and enjoyed some sun and the players now feel refreshed.
"It was vital to regroup, get ourselves together again and now we want to go out and win some games."
