Martin O'Neill believes Aston Villa's players have returned from a five-day trip to Dubai revitalised in their quest for a Champions League spot. The former Celtic boss said: "When the team are together for more than an overnight stay for a game I think it is almost inevitable that the players bond and get on better.

"They are living together for a few days and I really think that experience helps the entire team.

"I felt it was important for us because we wanted to get prepared for this very tough run-in, mentally and physically.

"We have done some training and enjoyed some sun and the players now feel refreshed.

"It was vital to regroup, get ourselves together again and now we want to go out and win some games."

O'Neill's main concern is that he does not pick up any more injuries when players are away on international duty at the end of March for nearly two weeks.

He said: "We are in the position, other than the international break, where we are in charge of the training and the rest and stepping up and down of the players in terms of what they do in training.

"That fortnight where they are away is something I am not in control of.

"You just hope and pray that the players come back but for the rest of the time we know what we need to do between now and the end of the season."