O'Leary thrilled with win

Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has admitted a win over Fulham was important

Villa were not at their best on Saturday, but superb goals by Nolberto Solano and Lee Hendrie clinched the points.

O'Leary feels his side are involved in a league within a league in The Premiership and is looking to take enough points to keep them away from danger.

"I am delighted we got three points against one of our rivals and it is important," said O'Leary.

"We were playing one of the teams that is around us in the table.

"I don't think it was the greatest of games and it is good to get the three points and I am delighted for the players.

"It was more about getting the win today than anything else.

"We've been drawing a lot of games where we've needed a bit of magic and we had it today with the two goals and that was the difference between the two sides.

"I think this is going to be a tough season, there are a lot of clubs bunched together in the league and if you win a few games you can shoot up the league."

The win was soured slightly by Darius Vassell being stretchered off with what appeared to be a nasty ankle injury.

O'Leary admits it would be a savage blow to lose the England international for an extended period of time.

"He has an ankle injury and I can't say how bad it is," said O'Leary. "We are so limited in numbers and we can't afford to have people out long term."