Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he has burnout fears for his players over their early season Intertoto Cup campaign.

O'Neill said: "We have been at it, playing competitively since July, because we were involved in the Intertoto Cup. At some stage or another, it will probably catch up and then we have to go and prioritise.

"I am delighted with the progress we have made in the UEFA Cup, which is what we set out to do, but at some stage around Christmas time I am going to have to sit down and think about this.

"We have eight more games to play before January. I am delighted with the progress but the boys have put a big effort in.

"Someone pointed out that we by Christmas we will have played nine or ten more games than by the same stage last season.

"Against Manchester United on Saturday, you saw Gareth Barry, having played in mid-week for England, trying to kick one clear on the edge of our penalty box in the 93rd minute of the game.

"It was a fantastic effort but that eventually takes its toll."