Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill can't see himself ever losing his passion and drive.

He told Villa's website: "I have had the same enthusiasm for this game since I was a player.

"I came into the professional ranks at the age of 18 and it has never ebbed, never ebbed at all. I loved my days as a player - I was very lucky to be involved with a fantastic group of players and be able to travel all across Europe for four or five years.

"In those days I used to think life would never end and I wouldn't get any older. And then when my playing days finished prematurely there was nothing else for me to do than go into management.

"And I have stuck with it and I have that same hunger and desire as I did when I was playing.

"I don't think that leaves you. If you have passion and drive I don't think it ever goes away.

"Look at Sir Alex Ferguson - one of the greatest managers who has ever lived. He has spent 22 years at Manchester United.

"Why should he lose that enthusiasm and drive? Even when he was thinking about retiring I am quite sure he had the question in the back of his mind - do I really need to leave the game? I bet he was telling himself - what else will I do when I get up in the morning?"