Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was relieved and happy his team did enough to edge past Birmingham on Sunday.

A late Gabriel Agbonlahor separated the teams in the lacklustre derby and O'Neill was delighted to grab an important three points.

He also praised Norwegian striker John Carew for his influence after coming on as a substitute in the second half, his header from an Ashley Young free-kick leading to the goal.

"It was a game of very few chances and it looked to be heading to a stalemate but there is always a possibility, we have players who are capable of scoring goals," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.

"It was a terrific goal for us and we tried to go for the win with John coming on and I'm just delighted to have won the game.

"We had a couple of chances after that but I accept the fact at that stage Birmingham were chasing the game.

"It was not just his (Carew) presence but his contribution. Obviously we're delighted to win the game.

"It was a hard-fought match. We spoke beforehand of being one of relief more than anything else but obviously for our supporters I'm delighted."