Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he was disappointed by West Brom counterpart Tony Mowbray's comments after Saturday's derby.

Mowbray had said Villa were over-reliant on playing on the break.

"I was surprised. I'm not really sure what he meant," O'Neill said.

"Counter-attacking is football and I would say outside the top sides we are as good as any. Manchester United won their early championships with counter-attacking."

Despite Mowbray's opinion, O'Neill believes Albion have the ability to stay in the top division.

"West Brom are far from out of it," he said.

"I said that a week ago and I have no reason after the game they played against us to change my mind.

"They are a fine footballing team and if they get one or two more goals to go along with it I can see them getting out of it."