Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill feels skipper Martin Laursen deserves great recognition for their success this season.

O'Neill told AVTV: "We have watched Martin perform outstandingly over the past two seasons. Performances like the one against Everton are not surprising to anyone at the club. His heading is renowned. He puts his head in where others wouldn't bother.

"He has been magnificent for us over the past few seasons. Where I think he deserves incredible credit is he has returned from a career-threatening injury. When I saw him at the training camp in Holland and Germany, I really didn't think he would be capable of playing any sort of football at all.

"From that position to where he has gone in two seasons is phenomenal. Well done to him."

O'Neill has also been impressed with Laursen's role as captain.

"You can have vociferous captains while you can others who lead by example," he said. "I think Martin is very much in the latter camp.

"It's what he does rather than what he says. He has been terrific for us and it hasn't gone unnoticed."