Reo-Coker still targeting fifth

Midfielder confident of qualifying for Europe

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 1st May 2008

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker

Reo-Coker: Euro focus

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Nigel Reo-Coker still believes Aston Villa can snatch fifth spot from Everton and qualify for the Uefa Cup.

Villa have closed the gap on The Toffees in recent weeks but missed the chance to climb above them as they drew 2-2 at Goodison Park on Sunday.

They remain three points adrift with just two games of the season remaining, but Reo-Coker is predicting a tight finish.

Asked if Villa could still reach the Uefa Cup, Reo-Coker told Sky Sports News: "In our opinion we still believe so.

"We are still fighting for fifth place with Everton, we have both got two games left and they will be very interesting fixtures."

Everton face Arsenal and Newcastle in their last two games, while Aston Villa take on Wigan at home before travelling to West Ham.

Fantastic

Only Manchester United and Arsenal have scored more goals in the Premier League than Villa and Reo-Coker admits it has been a delight to play for such a positive team.

He said: "It's fantastic to play here. When you come and watch Villa we either concede some or we will score some.

"There will always be goals. I don't think we have heard of a 0-0 draw.

"It's free-flowing football, it's attacking football, and that's how we are."

Ashley Young has been one of Villa's best players this season and Reo-Coker has lavished praise on the young forward.

Improved

He said: "He's improved tremendously. He's been fantastic for us and he deserves everything that's happened to him this season.

"He's one of our brightest stars. He plays with such freedom and technically he's one of the best of my generation."

Reo-Coker has also given his backing to Martin O'Neill as the best manager in the Premier League this season.

"He needs to strengthen our squad, but I'm sure Martin knows what he's doing," said the midfielder.

"He's done a tremendous job and I think he should be Manager of the Year for what he's done.

"I would love to see the records of whether anyone has achieved what he has so far with the small squad that he has had."