Martin O’Neill has admitted it is “more important than ever” to bring in new signings now that skipper Gareth Barry’s future lies away from the midlands club.

Aston Villa’s deadline-day signing Moustapha Salifou will finally join up with the club after obtaining a work permit.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has made his third signing during the last 48 hours with the capture of Togo midfielder Moustapha Salifou for an undisclosed fee.

SWISS manager Köbi Kuhn has voiced concern that several players are lacking match practice ahead of Saturday’s crucial Group 10 showdown against the Republic of Ireland in Basel.