Birmingham Mail: Martin O'Neill still counts himself lucky that Villa were able to wrench Richard Dunne away from his emotional attachment to Manchester City five months ago. ''Exceptional'', ''brilliant'' and ''sensational'' were just some of the superlatives O'Neill poured on his influential centre-back after another colossal performance at Tottenham.

Birmingham Mail: Luke Young insists the claret and blue bravehearts are following Richard Dunne's lead in putting their bodies on the line. Since Dunne's arrival, Villa's players have developed a reputation for hurling themselves in front of the ball to protect their goal.

Birmingham Mail: Martin O'Neill's Champions League chasers have hit back at Tottenham's taunts of "boring, boring Villa" after Saturday's scoreless stalemate. Villa maintained their top-four challenge after a determined defensive performance against Harry Redknapp's contenders. The result keeps Villa seventh, two points behind fifth-placed Spurs and three adrift of Liverpool, in fourth, with a game in hand. And after frustrating Spurs on Saturday evening, Villa were subjected to chants from the White Hart Lane faithful accusing them of being boring. But Tottenham old boy Luke Young, part of Villa's resolute rearguard action, insists they are packed with flair players and are far from boring.

Birmingham Mail: Brad Friedel's game has been lifted by having his fellow American understudy breathing down his neck, according to Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

Sky Sports: Aston Villa full-back Luke Young has hailed the influence of defensive lynchpin Richard Dunne and believes that the Republic of Ireland international has boosted the team spirit at Villa Park.

Express & Star: Villa's dressing room have hit back at Tottenham supporters' 'boring' jibe by insisting - 'You play more long ball than anyone.'

Birmingham Mail: Unbeatable Brad Friedel believes Villa are in the thick of the Premier League's most exciting ever scramble for a Champions League place.

PremierLeague.com: Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel reckons the race for fourth place will continue to the end.