The real Cuellar rises for O'Neill
Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes supporters are finally starting to see the real Carlos Cuellar and has backed the defender to prove he is Premier League class.
The Spanish centre-back has delivered his two best performances since joining from Glasgow Rangers last summer in the last two games. He even excelled at right-back in Sunday's Second City derby win over Blues.
Cuellar endured an indifferent first season in England following his £7.8m move south of the border, but O'Neill insists the 28-year-old Madrid-born star needed time to find his feet and has benefited from a full pre-season free from injury.
The manager said: "Carlos can adjust. I think he is brave, he is aggressive. In time I think he will become a better user of the ball but I like his qualities and always have done.
"Last season he came to us with virtually no pre-season behind him. He had a couple of niggling injuries he played on with that other people might not have done so.
"I have never questioned his determination and dedication."
O'Neill has praised the defender's willingness to adapt.
The Villa boss said: "Carlos has a big heart. Sometimes he doesn't mind playing out of position if it means he plays.
"He is essentially a centre-back, but he will soon get to know the way the other two lads (Richard Dunne and James Collins) play."