Boss laments Davis' decision

Davis returns to Villa Park for the first time since his £4m summer move to Fulham on Saturday.

The 22-year-old midfielder left Villa for the prospect of regular football in central midfield, but it was a decision Villa boss O'Neill admits he found hard to take.

"My job here is to try and improve the team, to make Aston Villa successful if I can," said O'Neill.

"I'd have preferred some players to have stayed, and Steven Davis comes into that category.

"But if Steven wanted to play in a position, which I know he's getting at Fulham at this minute, then I couldn't guarantee that.

"Eventually time will tell whether it was right or wrong. I won't please all of the people all of the time – Steven could come here and score a hat-trick and could play brilliantly.

"He's a really genuine lovely fella, but he wanted to be playing more regularly than he seemed to be here.

"It wasn't exactly my view, and I couldn't guarantee him things here.

"I made a decision at the end. I'd genuinely have preferred if Steven had stayed, but that wasn't to be.

"I can understand players and their reluctance to stay and think they're just a part of the squad."

O'Neill's stance on Davis is echoed by his feelings for Aaron Hughes, the other former Villa player returning to his old club this weekend.

"There was always a doubt about Mark Delaney. Aaron never caused a moment's bother – if there was ever a time to use the old cliche, 'model professional', that was him," said O'Neill.

"I'd have preferred him to be here, but I couldn't guarantee him playing.

"He was vying with Phil Bardsley, but when Fulham came knocking he felt there was a possibility of getting games."