Baros urged to battle

Martin O'Neill has called on Milan Baros to fight for his future at Aston Villa.

The Czech Republic striker has made just four starts this term and has yet to score a goal in that time.

With Villa flying high in The Premiership, the former Liverpool man has struggled to make an impact and O'Neill feels the forward is at a low ebb.

O'Neill is not going to make any snap decisions on his fringe players, but has urged Baros to stand up and be counted.

"As regards Milan, there's no doubt that if he can get back to his best, he should be a big asset for us," stated O'Neill. "Eventually, it's up to the player.

"We have a new fitness scheme but, no matter what you do, it is down to the player eventually. You can encourage, you can cajole, but eventually the player is going to have to perform on the pitch.

"He's obviously cost the club a sizeable amount of money, come with a biggish reputation and has scored goals in international football.

"Maybe he thought it would be easier for him to adapt but football is not like that. It's not as difficult if you've got loads of ability, you're fit and fresh and raring to go and have confidence.

"But Milan's confidence isn't as great as he'd want at the moment. I'm going to reserve judgement on a few things for a bit longer."

O'Neill is likely to freshen up his squad in January, with the Ulsterman looking for his players to prove their worth over the next eight weeks.

He added: "I want another two months of football before I make a genuine and concerted judgement on the players here - and that's on players who have played pretty well often.

"You can imagine how less informed I'd be on those who would have played less. Once I make my mind up I may stick with it but at the moment, I'm deliberating."