Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says it's important they have a deeper squad.

O'Neill admits he will put more emphasis on rotating his players this season after the events of last term when Villa ran out of steam in March after operating with one of the smallest squads in the Premier League.

O'Neill said: "I do want to be able to do a little more rotating this season possibly because of what we experienced last season when we came to February-March time.

"There is also the realisation that, for the last two years, we've used less players than anyone else (in the Premier League) and last season we played 12 more games in all competitions than the year before.

"The Manchester Uniteds Chelseas, Liverpools, Arsenals have all been used to getting through the first part of the season, always staying in the Champions League, knowing that February, March, April and May are big months.

"They are always coming through because they have a decent squad and top quality players and, as well, great men in charge.

"I think it is also important to have competition because it keeps people on their toes."