Martin O'Neill insists it certainly isn't a case of 'impress me or else' for his fringe players this evening because the Villa boss already has fantastic faith in his squad.

While MON accepts the fact he has only used 17 players in the Premier League this season, he says it doesn't mean he doesn't rate the other members of his tight-knit group.

He told AVTV: "I think some of the players have been a little unlucky.

"I genuinely didn't realise up until recently that we had only used 17 players in the Premier League.

"People then deduce that I am a manager who doesn't rotate. Those same people also deduce that the players who aren't in the starting line-up aren't rated.

"But I have never looked at it like that. I think those who haven't played so often are definitely capable of doing so.

"Moustapha Salifou, for example, came in against Prague and was absolutely brilliant for us. So he is very unlucky not to in the starting line-up.

"I thought Craig Gardner was also fantastic for us on the night and Zat Knight did really well too.

"I have complete confidence in the players. I am genuinely hoping all my players want to play - and play every week. But that's not always possible.

"I will manage that. I understand what they go through because I was a player who wanted to play every week.

"I would get more than the occasional shout from Mr Clough who would say: "Sorry son, you're not required this week." I know how difficult it is but I will manage it."