Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill won't freeze out Olof Mellberg if he signs a pre-contract with Juventus.

O'Neill said: "Olof's commitment has been excellent and, even if he decides to go in the summer or signs a pre-contract, I would have no qualms about continuing to play him.

"This boy (Mellberg) has played nearly seven years for Villa and is a top professional.

"I recognise this is a very important time of his career. When you get clubs the size of Juventus making enquiries about you then you have to weigh things up.

"But I'd be quite happy to play him if he signs a pre-contract. He is well aware he is in his last season of his current contract but the total commitment to the cause is there every single week.

"I have genuinely appreciated the efforts he has put in. I asked him to play right-back for us and he has gone into the role willingly and has never complained to me."