O’Neill’s warning on Blues dangers

Martin O’Neill has warned his Villa players one slip-up could cost them their Euro dream against arch rivals Birmingham this weekend.

Villa prepare for the Second City derby on the crest of a wave after thumping Bolton and Derby 4-0 and 6-0 respectively.

But the Villa boss has told the squad they can’t afford nto switch off as they prepare to face their third successive struggling team.

“I’m not saying players should study the game the same way as a manager does, but they should get it into their brains how easy it is to switch off – and how difficult it is to get back into focus again,” said O’Neill.

“For us to try to catch Everton we can’t afford one slip. We have to win everything in sight – including winning at Everton which is a tall order but we’re well capable.

“Players see a different game to the manager, I accept that and where you start to see danger, players won’t see danger. But it’s part of a player’s living.”

O’Neill insists Villa are capable of achieving his target and winning every game.

“The immediate thing is we can look forward now and we’ve got a big game against Birmingham City,” he added.

“Because of our slip-ups against Middlesbrough and Sunderland at home we’ve given ourselves a position where we can’t slip up.”