O’Neill fears burnout may hamper Villa

MARTIN O’NEILL fears fatigue may catch up with his Aston Villa squad this season — and believes a mini-winter break would be a helpful innovation for the Barclays Premier League.

O’Neill took the opportunity to field a virtual second string team for Wednesday’s UEFA Cup clash in Hamburg, with qualification for the final 32 already assured. He left Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Gareth Barry, Martin Laursen and James Milner behind to recharge their batteries in time for this evening’s match at West Ham and the demanding festive programme.

O’Neill’s team have been playing competitive football since mid-July in the Intertoto Cup — and he will seize any opportunity to give his players a break. But he feels football in general would benefit from a lull in the action after the third round of the FA Cup, even if it is only for a fortnight and means the absence of football for just one weekend.