Martin O’Neill has warned it is too early for Villa to start dreaming about the Champions League after he insisted: ‘Judge us after Christmas.’

O’Neill’s men find themselves scaling the upper reaches of the table after 14 games, a point clear of Arsenal in fourth position.

Just 10 points currently separating a Champions League spot and the relegation zone, in what has been one of the most closely fought Premier League campaigns ever.

O’Neill believes it will only be after the festive period that the table will start to give a true reflection.

He said: “I think we would always be a side that on it’s day is considered capable of doing something. As Sir Alex Ferguson said you have to add consistency of results to your game. It really is as simple as that.

“That obviously doesn’t come from 14 games played, that comes after about 25 games have been played. Then you know you are either in a position to make a proper challenge in the last third of the season or if you are just treading water.

“The Christmas period is very big and always has been in the history of football.

“January is always FA Cup games mixed up with the potential of buying or selling so it is always interesting from that viewpoint.

“But I think this Christmas period coming up will tell us a lot about ourselves.”

Villa’s victory at Arsenal and draw with Manchester United last weekend have renewed belief a top four finish is within their grasp.

O’Neill’s side now have the chance to gain a further pyschological edge as they face Fulham on Saturday, 24 hours ahead of their rivals.

They could move two points clear of United into third and four ahead of the Gunners, who face difficult games against Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.