City frustrate goal-shy Villa

RANDY LERNER’S Cleveland Browns are heading for the NFL play-offs, so Martin O’Neill is hoping Villa’s American owner is in cash-flashing form as the manager bids to mount an assault on a UEFA Cup place via the January sales.

O’Neill is still operating with one of the smallest squads in the Premier League and is itching for the transfer window to open. With a hefty cheque from Lerner burning a hole in his pocket, the Irishman has eyes for Portuguese international Jose Bosingwa at FC Porto and covets Spurs’ Jermain Defoe.

Goals are the currency of success and Villa need more of them.