Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says the club's young players will continue to get their chance next season.

He told avfc.co.uk: "I'm always keen to bring new players through if they merit that. Now as we bring in more players that's an added hurdle for the young lads but that's no bad thing.

"I think the idea is to have genuine competition throughout the squad. It would be nice to be able to do a bit of rotating."

A number of players from Villa's successful reserve and youth sides will be looking to impress O'Neill when they return for pre-season training next month. And the Villa boss is well aware of the youngsters coming off the production line.

He added: "I'm really proud of the reserves and the Academy. I'm proud of the efforts from all concerned - not only the players but the backroom staff.

"I was lucky enough to be involved in the FA Youth Cup run and I got a great buzz out of it. The players put their heart and soul into it and with a little bit of luck could have won the competition.

"They bounced back to win their league and the play-offs so I'm very pleased with them. The attitude has been great and that's a credit to all the people who look after them.

"As for the reserves, Kevin MacDonald sometimes didn't know until the last minute what his team might be, but he just got on with it.

"I saw nothing but a positive attitude and approach to those games and that's not just from the youngsters but also from the senior players."