Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits Martin Laursen has been "immense" this season.

O'Neill said: "Martin has been immense. When you consider 15 or 16 months ago I watched him in pre-season and he was even walking with a bit of a limp.

"He spent some time recovering from the injuries he had. Laursen's heart is as big as himself and he said he would recover and you take his word for that.

"But I would have been surprised at what he has done here and that is great credit to him.

"He has played consecutive games for us all season, one of six players to start every league game. Yes, he takes his days out to do his leg work and strengthening work but he has been fantastic.

"He looks like scoring every game and one of the reasons for that is because he wants to go for the ball. I couldn't be more pleased with him.

"He has been brilliant and has worked so hard to come back and play Premier League football because I am sure there were many dark days when he thought he would never play again."