Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he regrets losing Steven Davis to Fulham.

O'Neill insisted: "I would have genuinely preferred if Steven had stayed at the club but that wasn't to be.

"I can understand players and their reluctance to stay around and think they are just part of the squad.

"My job here is to try and improve the team and to make Aston Villa successful if I can.

"I would have preferred some players to stay at the club and Steven comes into that category.

"But if Steven wanted to go and play in a position, which I know he is getting at Fulham, then I know I couldn't guarantee those things."