Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has been assured of "strong security" by his Aston Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill when he returns to Villa Park. Redknapp called for increased protection when a 50p coin thrown from the crowd missed him but struck referee's assistant Phil Sharp during the closing stages of the game with Portsmouth at Villa Park in October.

Redknapp had also hit out following the corresponding fixture the previous season after abuse was directed towards him from behind the dug-out.

O'Neill said: "Why should it be a worry? The gentleman who threw the coin at the assistant referee has been found guilty.

"I'm sure that the people around the dug-out area will be aware of it and I'm quite sure security will be strong."