Martin O'Neill has urged his strikers to rescue Aston Villa's Europa League campaign

Aug 21 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“Naturally we have to win the game,” he said. “Rapid are a very good attacking team so we might have to score three goals. But we are looking forward to the game next week and I hope we’re able to do it. I wasn’t disappointed with the performance at all. Overall I was very pleased, in terms of fitness as well, and we’ve got to try and win the second game.

“Defeats can happen in European ties, but confidence is very high in the dressing room. They believe they can overturn it. It won’t be easy, we know that from European games last season, but we’ve got to go and try and win it.”

O’Neill, who selected a 4-5-1 formation for the first time since the end of January, admitted conceding an early goal disrupted Villa’s game plan.

“It’s within 16 seconds so that’s obviously very disappointing in any game at all, particularly a European tie,” he said.

“As part of our game plan those things, like keeping the crowd quiet, come into play. We went with the 4-5-1 formation and of course the goal knocks the plans away.”

O’Neill refused to blame the defeat on the absence of Carew who is doubtful for Monday’s daunting trip to Anfield, where Villa were thrashed 5-0 on their previous visit last season.

“We lost John late again,” added Martin. “He felt ill during the afternoon and that obviously is a disruption, but we’ve got players and we’re capable of getting on with it. He’s just got back from his toe problem.

“Am I hopeful he’ll be okay for Monday? Well, we’ll see, we don’t know. A couple of boys were ill out in Spain for a few days so we’ll have a look at it.”

Curtis Davies is also touch and go to be fit to face Liverpool after a recurrence of his long-term shoulder problem.

“His shoulder came out again, it’s causing us a bit of worry, but we’ll see whether he’s a doubt for Monday and have a look,” added O’Neill.