O’Neill tells Villa fans: We’re fighting for top four

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has told fans they're doing all they can to finish in the top four.

O'Neill concedes their busy March schedule is working against them.

"I hope between that talented group of players we get enough goals to see us through," he told Villa's website.

"We are still fighting. We are still battling there. Because of the cup runs and because of the League Cup semis, replays against Crystal Palace and the postponed Premier League games, because of all that, it means it's going to be pretty hectic between now and the end of the season.

"At the moment we are trying to get dates against Everton and Hull. It's going to be pretty exciting if we can stay in there and hang in there.

"Saturday's game against Stoke will be extremely difficult, followed by an equally difficult away trip to Wigan. But we've got to hang in, try and stay the course and stay with it."

The boss has also praised Villa's ability to battle, insisting: "It's not all about playing nice football."