Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will not place Aston Villa in 'financial jeopardy' in pursuit of UEFA Champions League qualification. "Randy (Lerner) knows that to be up there is exceptionally hard work," said O'Neill.

"We know what we've got to do, although I agree with him that this is not the time to be putting the club in financial jeopardy for a short-term gain.

"With a bit of luck, we'll be in Europe next season and we'll attract more quality to the club."

He added: "People can be disappointed we're not in the top four, but there's been a great improvement here.

"The progress we're making means the vital next step is to do what the top four have been doing year in, year out.

"They're in contention every season. These clubs have experience - and years of it - on us.

"It's up to Villa to improve at such a rate that we're up there a year or two before we should be."