Aston Villa's Saturday's disappointing draw with Wolves was concluded against a backdrop of frustration and boss Martin O'Neill responded to boos at the final whistle by sarcastically cupping his hand to his ear. The furious boss then launched a scathing attack on his critics for their lack of gratitude for what he and his players have achieved in the league and cups so far this season, reports the Birmingham Mail.

"In the opening 20 or 25 minutes of the game the football was as good as we'd played in recent times," fumed O'Neill, whose team are now five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

"I include the opening half against Manchester United at Wembley.

"I thought it was really scintillating stuff and you would have got long odds at half-time on us being booed off in the game, but that's the nature of it.

"I suppose the Carling Cup final and the semi-final of the FA Cup and still battling here with nine games left in the league should happen here every year.

"It didn't surprise me. I expect it. It's the nature of the game. More so nowadays than ever before.

"I don't think it's solely an Aston Villa thing, but not every side have contested the Carling Cup final, the semi-final of the FA Cup and are still battling for fourth position with nine games to go."