Martin O’Neill expects the experience of European football to take his young Villa stars to new heights next season.
Next month’s two-legged Intertoto Cup tie against Denmark’s Odense, Northern Irish side Lisburn Distillery or Finnish outfit TPS Turku is all that stands between Villa and a UEFA Cup place.
The Northern Irishman, who has guided Celtic to a UEFA Cup final, is confident no one would benefit more from the chance to mix it with continental opposition than the likes of Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor.
He already has evidence to back up his theory in the shape of Stiliyan Petrov, who he brought to Villa Park from Parkhead.
He said: “I saw that at Celtic with a number of players. Stiliyan Petrov was only a young player when we had the UEFA Cup run through to the final in 2003.
“He grew in stature as the competition went on. Hopefully we can see the same with our young players.
“The likes of Gabby and Ashley Young can only benefit for that experience, as they continue to develop as players.”
O’Neill admits he would love to see his side at least go on to reach the group stages.
He has pointed to Everton’s steady progress in the competition in recent seasons as a recipe for success.
He added: “If we can get through the Intertoto and into the UEFA Cup it could be great experience for our players.”
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