Martin O’Neill silences Aston Villa boo-boys after win over Liverpool
Aug 25 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
“It’s everyone to their own, but this is essentially a young side. They’ll take criticism from me when it’s deserved, but they’ll take the praise at the same time if they can.
“We’ve won at Anfield and the players were simply brilliant.
“I didn’t see Liverpool being booed off here tonight.”
O’Neill has challenged his side to take the confidence gained from their Anfield achievements into their Europa League second-leg play-off against Rapid Vienna at Villa Park tomorrow.
“It’s a fantastic win for us and we’re trying to get a bit of confidence about the side and the team can play,” he added.
“Our next objective is to try and qualify for the group stages of the Europa League.
“It won’t be easy but that will give us a big lift in terms of confidence.
“We’re going to try and win on Thursday and we’ll see after that and we’ve got Sunday as well.
“We’re off the mark after two games, but it’s staggering the number of prophecies made after one game in the league. It is staggering, but still nothing surprises me.”
Ashley Young is doubtful tomorrow evening’s clash against Rapid Vienna after hobbling off with a twisted knee last night following a challenge with Jamie Carragher.
There is also continued concern about John Carew, who was again unavailable last night after failing to recover from a virus, after earlier suffering with an infected toe.
“What do you want me to say?” asked O’Neill. “There still is a virus.”
n Everton have entered the race to sign Villa’s No.1 defensive target Sylvain Distin from Portsmouth following the £24 million sale of Joleon Lescott to Manchester City.
O’Neill, who was today closing in on the capture of Blackburn left-back Stephen Warnock, is still keen on the Portsmouth defender if a price can be agreed.
However, Villa could turn their attention to Man City’s Richard Dunne or Newcastle’s Steven Taylor. Villa have watched Wigan’s Paul Scharner but are unlikely to pursue their interest at this stage.
