Villa hardman Nigel Reo-Coker admits boss Martin O’Neill is “developing his discipline” – but insists he won’t change his game.

Reo-Coker almost came to blows with Newcastle midfielder Emre in Saturday’s 4-1 win, earning his eighth booking of the season.

The former West Ham captain also has a sending off for two bookable offences.

“The manager is helping me develop as a player. He’s making me think a lot more about my game,” said Reo-Coker.

“He wants me to develop my discipline, so I’m working on that.

“I thought football was a physical game, but now if you slightly touch a player, they go down and do 20 rolls and a back-flip to get you booked.

“I’m used to getting bookings – it happens where I play in the middle and I won’t be changing my overall approach. But I try to take on board what the manager is saying.

“I’ll continue to be very passionate and committed, but I think there are a lot more theatrical falls in the game now and that’s killing the game.

“Players are getting booked for nothing. It’s not even a man’s game at times. You can’t really get physical any more.”

O’Neill said: “I’m not sure what happened when Nigel clashed with Emre and I haven’t spoken to him properly about it.

“But as well as being able to play, we need some controlled aggression in the team.

“I wouldn’t want any players involved in serious foul play or anything like that, but we need proper aggression.

“There’s a difference between controlled aggression and losing your head.”