I am pleased With The Team-Martin O'Neil

Aston Villa boss, Martin O'Neil said he was delighted with his team after they reached into the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.


Villa thrashed Crystal Palace by three goals to ONE on Wednesday at Villa Park and O'Neil said it was another big commitment.

"I am happy. I am particularly pleased with the team - it was another big commitment, " he told club's official site.

"We went strongly - only made a couple of changes - and the way Crystal Palace played in the second half, we had to do that.

"But I am delighted for the team. They deserved to win the game, although we left it very late.

"We certainly had plenty of chances - spurned a lot of them. We got the goal before half-time but it was definitely one of those where you needed a second.

"I thought Palace really came into the game in the second half and played some really nice football, particularly just outside our penalty area - and caused us a few problems.

"They got the penalty and I just thought it might be one of those evenings. We turned it around and deservedly went through."

The manager also hailed his side for putting total focus on Wednesday's game despite another crucial clash against Manchester United on Sunday in Curling Cup final.

"I am delighted for the football club but genuinely for the players, " he continued.

"After Sunday, people were wondering what sort of side we would put out here but all the players were prepared to go for it.

"And I didn't see anyone shirking or anything at all in preparation for Sunday. I think that speaks volumes for the team.

"I really am pleased with the side. They have shown some real fantastic ability and they are improving, which is great. We have things to improve on but commitment is there in abundance.

"There was always a risk [injuries ahead of the final] but players were always willing to take that risk.

"We needed to do so. There are one or two in the dressing room who stayed a bit longer to see how they were. We will have a better idea in the morning."

 "We had a big crowd who paid their hard-earned money to support the side, particularly given the prices you have to pay for the League Cup final.

"They found some money again to support the team. We had almost 32,000 which was fantastic and I really appreciated it. I am delighted to have won and will think about the match on Sunday in the morning."

Photo courtsy: villa official site