Villa won't stand in O'Neill's way

Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner has announced that they would not stand in Martin O'Neill's way if he was offered the England job. O'Neill was in the reckoning for the post before Steve McClaren was appointed last year, and has been pushed as one of the favorites should he lose his job.

Lerner said: "I would not stand in his way. I don't know if I necessarily have any great insight on that subject. That would be between Martin and the FA.

"I think to some extent there is some welcome flattery in the whole thing.

"Obviously, they would be interested in Martin because of the way he has handled himself at Aston Villa.

"That speaks well so far of his first year and the first part of this season.

"As a newcomer, I am reluctant to make too much comment but it is clearly one of the great honours you can achieve in football to be coach of a national team.

"If that were to happen I suppose you would have to admire that kind of achievement and opportunity. I would not stand in his way.

"But I certainly hope he is here with Villa for the long term."