Quantity Not Quality -Or Something Like That

Martin O'Neill has insisted that he will not be rushed into signing just any old players in an effort to boost our depleted squad. He wants quality.

With the capture of Steve Sidwell simply needing the rubber stamp, O'Neill has turned his attention to other targets that may or may not already have been contacted.

Speaking on the official site, O'Neill admits it would be ideal if 'all' of his targets could be signed prior to the Intertwobob:

'It would be nice to get through but I wouldn't want to just sign players just for the sake of trying to get them involved in the Intertoto Cup.

'We've got 10 days or more before the Intertoto Cup but registering players is a 24-hour deadline before those games.'

Currently it appears Villa will face Odense, who are the favourites after their victory over TPS Turku in Finland last weekend.

'Odense are 2-1 up from their away leg against TPS Turku and you would think over two legs they'd be pretty strong.

'I saw Hibernian were beaten 2-0 at home to a Swedish side - Elfsborg - so that's a concern and we wouldn't take anything lightly.

'But getting players in during this pre-season is our aim. I know we've got until August 31 to sign players but really we need the strength in depth before we kick off.'

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