Aston Villa got through to the group of 32 despite a 3-1 battering from Hamburg.

Martin O'Neill's men had already qualified for the next stage but a poor showing like that makes them vulnerable as they push forward to meet other quality European clubs.

Croatian duo Mladen Petric and Ivica Olic did the damage before half-time, before Olic scored his second in the 57th minute to effectively end the match.

Highly-rated Villa youngster showed his potential yet again when he scored with seven minutes remaining.

Steve Sidwell was sent off just a minute later but it's not all bad news for Villa as five key players were left out of the touring squad to concentrate on the Christmas period; those being Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry and James Milner.