O'Neill Won't Get Carried Away

Martin O'Neill has said he is very happy with the partnership of new boys John Carew and Ashley Young but says it is too early to draw any conclusions.

He told the official site:

'I am delighted with both of them, John and Ashley. I am delighted they have played well. It was important for us to go and get a bit of quality in January. For every reason under the sun, the whole squad was crying out for it. The very fact they've come in and done so well together is encouraging. But I am surprised people draw conclusions about things so quickly. I can't change it but if John and Ashley had come into Villa and fallen over themselves, people would have said they were a disaster. Ashley has got terrific ability and things don't seem to bother him too much. Him and John have come in and given us a lift at an important time.'

'But the two of them would prefer to be judged over a season. I don't think the two lads themselves are carried away. They are happy but they, like me, are thinking, 'Let's wait a wee while. It is encouraging they have got to know each other's play almost instantly. I don't want to knock it. I just want to be careful. There is a lot more to come from them. They have given a lift to the players, the likes of Gareth Barry, and it augurs well for the future but I'd hate to get carried away.'

Nice to see a bit of reality, but I'll stick with the going overboard theory and dream these guys, plus a few new additions will shoot us towards the Champions League and a few decent cup runs next season!!!!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.