O'Neill wants Euro glory

Villa captain Martin Laursen feels European buzz

Last updated: 22nd October 2008

Martin ONeill Aston Villa manager

O'Neill: Determined

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has revealed his desire to restore the club's European pedigree.

Villa - European Cup winners in 1982 - are enjoying their first Uefa Cup campaign for seven years and O'Neill wants to prolong their experience.

"Make no mistake, this is a big occasion for us," said the Villa boss ahead of Thursday night's visit of Dutch giants Ajax.

"I am hoping this is the start of some really decent European nights for the foreseeable future at Aston Villa.

Qualify

"We are guaranteed four games in the competition up until Christmas and we are going to try our utmost to qualify for the next phase of the competition.

"We don't want to experience such nights just this season. It is something that we do want to bring to the club long term and we feel we are really into the Uefa Cup now with the visit of someone like Ajax."

O'Neill's sentiments are echoed by captain Martin Laursen.

He said: "The players have a buzz about Thursday. We are all aware that it has been too long that Aston Villa hasn't played in Europe and it is special.

"There is a special atmosphere about these games if you play Champions League, Uefa Cup or international games for your country.

"The Premier League is massive but it is still special to play in Europe because you are up against teams you are not used to playing against. To start our European (group) campaign with Ajax at home is great."