O'Neill eyes new recruits

Villa boss in the hunt for fresh faces

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 3rd December 2008

O'Neill eyes new recruits

O'Neill: Making New Year plans

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Martin O'Neill has revealed that he hopes to bring fresh faces to Aston Villa during the January transfer window.

With the Villans well placed to mount a sustained bid for a top four finish this season, O'Neill realises that he will need a squad brimming with world class talent.

The Ulsterman has proved adept at unearthing hidden gems in the past and will hope to do so once again in the New Year.

It remains to be seen how much funding will be made available by club owner Randy Lerner, but O'Neill is optimistic that he will not have his hands tied financially.

Improvements

"We will try and improve the squad if we can," he said.

"But if you asked any Premier League manager the same question, everybody is going to have a look at it.

"Who knows what may happen, but I am sure that we will try and improve our squad if at all possible.

"It's difficult in January, but two years ago we were able to get the services of John (Carew) and Ashley Young. It proved decent to us a couple of years ago, so who's to say."

Assurances

Villa were forced to fend off interest in England international midfielder Gareth Barry over the summer, with a long-running saga involving Premier League rivals Liverpool dominating the pre-season headlines.

However, with the 27-year-old having committed his future to the club, O'Neill is optimistic that a similar situation will not emerge over the coming weeks.

"I think that he has made that assurance, so I think we are all delighted with that news," he added.