O'Neill wants Berger effort

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes that Czech midfielder Patrik Berger could make the vital difference to their season. O'Neill feels that the experience of Berger could be crucial for Aston Villa if they are to qualify for Europe.

O'Neill said: "Patrik is now back and he's properly fit. He's played regularly for the reserves.

"I would have said that with his ability and in the same type of role he played for us last season, it's far from an impossibility that he could do the same for us this time out.

"It was almost a year ago at Blackburn where he was so influential. Initially, he turned a couple of games. Then he started games and was able to affect them. He made a difference. And his performance against Sheffield United on our last home game was brilliant. I'm hoping he would still have it within him to be able to do that for us this season."