Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill held a special motivational team meeting to lift the Villa players for a fresh assault on the UEFA Cup and Premier League top four, reports the Birmingham Mail. Defender Zat Knight said, "It was just a pick-me-up really to say we've done great so far and we've got a massive three months ahead of us," said Knight. "If everyone can do everything properly for the next three months and just give 110 per cent he will be happy with it. That's all it was.

"We hadn't lost domestically since November, it brought us back to reality.

"We have enjoyed being on cloud nine and we want to get back there. Hopefully we can start on Wednesday."