I want to win Carling Cup says Aston Villa manager

Sep 23 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“As a player and manager, I’ve managed to win it. It has been great and getting to Wembley is one of the great feelings you can have in football.”

O’Neill hopes Villa’s early exit from the Europa League will enhance their mission to continue their development under his management by securing silverware. “If you are talking about us not being involved in Europe, I think we should focus on everything domestic this season, the two cups and the Premier League,” he said.

“Even though I will make some changes, by no manner or means am I going to weaken the side sufficiently for us not to have a proper go in it.

“We want to try and get through and get a run going. Is some silverware next on the agenda? Of course it is, absolutely.

“You set out every single season and you give it some thought.”

Nigel Reo-Coker is none the wiser whether he will be involved in tonight’s tie, with O’Neill delaying a final decision on his matchday squad until as late as possible.

O’Neill is anxious to draw a line under last Thursday’s bust-up once and for all by refusing to reveal details of Monday’s clear-the-air meeting between the pair.

“I had a word with Nigel in private and that is how it is going to remain as far as I am concerned,” he said.

“If Nigel and his associates close to him want to divulge that, that is entirely up to them. As far as I am concerned, that is the end of the issue.”

Asked if Reo-Coker had apologised, if the player could continue his career at Villa and if he would be in contention this evening, O’Neill repeated: “That is the end of the issue.

He added: “I manage the football team as I see fit and I think that shall continue until I am no longer working.”

Villa will be without Ashley Young this evening with the England winger resting up for Saturday’s league trip to Blackburn after picking up a calf injury against Portsmouth. Emile Heskey is also out with an ankle problem.