O’Leary instils iron will as Villa maintain Champions League quest

DAVID O’LEARY has installed a ring of steel at Aston Villa that is making the team difficult to beat.

That is the view of captain Olof Mellberg, who is thrilled at the change in the club's fortunes.

With two games left against Southampton on Saturday and Manchester United the following week fourth place and a Champions League slot is still a possibility.

Yet early in the season, Villa were looking at the bottom rather than the top.

O'Leary has managed to propel the side up the league in this his first season in charge and the fans are flocking back.

A narrow victory against Tottenham on Sunday means Villa have gone seven games unbeaten at a crucial time and they are shutting teams out.

Sweden defender Mellberg said: "It is very pleasing. When you win a lot of games you get that confidence. That is what we have been looking for.

"If you see the top teams they go a goal ahead and never look like conceding one. They get better the longer games go on.

"Maybe before we got a little bit nervous when we were winning. That is something we have managed to turn around.

"We played well overall against Tottenham. We should have scored more and should have won by more.

"But 1-0 wins are always nice especially for the players at the back.

"Now we are looking at a Champions League place. That is our aim and it definitely would be an unbelievable turnaround."

However, Villa will have to do without former Newcastle playmaker Nolberto Solano for the final two matches. He is suspended after being sent off in the victory against Middlesbrough.

Solano said: "We have only a small squad but there is a tremendous self belief among the players and hopefully it will pay dividends."

Striker Darius Vassell could come into contention for the Southampton game after being ruled out on Sunday because of a hamstring problem.