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Aston Villa Stars Thriving On World Cup Pressure - Martin O'Neill

Villa's Englishman inspired by battle to make plane for South Africa...

Nov 24, 2009 9:10:32 AM

EPL: Martin O'Neill, Burnley v Aston Villa (Getty Images)

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EPL: Martin O'Neill, Burnley v Aston Villa (Getty Images)

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes that his English players are responding positively to the challenge of trying to make Fabio Capello's World Cup squad - and it is spurring them on rather than proving a distraction.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger yesterday responded irritably to questions about Theo Walcott's form in 'World Cup year' by claiming that a player's focus should be purely on the club who pays his wages.

O'Neill though thinks that it will have a positive impact on his players' performances.

"The carrot of going with England to the World Cup and being part of that squad is very strong, very strong indeed," he said, according to Sky Sports.

"Each of the players we have here, who have had a chance, have stated a reasonable claim for inclusion.

"I still think there is time and club performances will play a part.

"The next international match is in March so that's at least three months and is really big for the players.

"It is a good time now, with no internationals and they can concentrate on club football.

"In the scheme of things, it would be great to see three or four of the team go to the World Cup.

"In reality it won't happen because we have players fighting over the same position."

And England boss Capello is welcome at Villa's training ground at any time to check on the progress of the likes of James Milner, Gabby Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and Stewart Downing.

"I don't know whether it's in his nature to visit training grounds but he is welcome here any time at all," O'Neill added.

"In fact it would be a great boost to us for him to take time out and come here.

"Maybe after Christmas when the World Cup starts to build for him, whether it be at the ground or a call, I'm quite sure he will be in touch.

"I've met him a couple of times, like at a PFA dinner, and he went out of his way to come and speak to me.

"I also met him out in Spain at the Peace Cup in the summer in Andalusia as he lives out there.

"He was fine and he was very effusive about our players."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

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