O’Neill: I confronted Wenger over long-ball slur

MARTIN O’NEILL has revealed he confronted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger over his claims that Aston Villa play long-ball football after the midweek clash between the two clubs.

O’Neill had described Wenger’s comments as “an appalling insult” in his post-match press conference following Wednesday’s goalless draw at Villa Park.

The former Celtic boss also made his feelings known to Wenger before the visitors left Villa Park.

The comments have incensed the Villa playing staff, with central defender James Collins describing them as “ridiculous” and “stupid”.

O’Neill said: “Arsene is an excellent manager but, as I said the other evening, he has made a few ridiculous statements during his time.

“I also told Mr Wenger at the same time (after the press conference) I felt the comments he had made were out of order.

“Wasn’t it not long ago that he described Manchester United as anti-football? Like I said, he is a terrific manager but comments like that, although they do raise a laugh, also do become a little tiresome.

“I actually would say we are a fine footballing side with people like Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner etc.”

O’Neill is backing Villa to put their recent goal drought in the Barclays Premier League behind them as they look to put their top-four challenge back on track at Fulham today.

Villa have failed to score in their last four league matches and picked up only two points from draws with West Ham and Arsenal.

But between times they have found their touch in cup competitions, hitting six past Blackburn in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg and another three against Brighton in the FA Cup.

O’Neill said: “The team is playing very well at this moment and it (the lack of league goals) is less of a concern than it would be normally.

“We had scored nine goals in the previous two games before Wednesday.

“But people will divide up your season into little segments and the segment they are concerned about at the moment is not scoring enough league goals.”

O’Neill knows Villa will face a stiff test at Craven Cottage where Fulham have a formidable record.

He said: “Their home record is quite phenomenal. They will be disappointed with their away form, but at home they are a different team altogether playing with loads of confidence and it won’t be easy for us.”

O’Neill will again be without left-back Stephen Warnock and is awaiting the results of a visit to the specialist to determine how long he will be out of action.

It has led to O’Neill recalling Nicky Shorey from a loan spell at Nottingham Forest as cover.

The Villa boss said: “There is not anything definite I can tell you. He did see a specialist a couple of nights ago and we are waiting for some more results of other tests coming through.

“I would say it will be Monday or Tuesday before we know the extent of things.”

Meanwhile Fulham are on the brink of completing the loan signing of striker Stefano Okaka from Roma until the end of the season.

Okaka underwent a medical at Craven Cottage yesterday after negotiations over the 20-year-old were revived after a perceived lack of interest from the player and his club threatened to scupper the move.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson expects the Italy U21 international to be available after the transfer window closes on Monday.

“The deal is on. It was never really off but there have been a lot of problems to iron out,” said Hodgson.

“At the moment he’s finishing off a medical. Barring any problems with the medical I expect him to join us from Monday.

“He won’t be in line to play against Aston Villa as Roma want him available for their game on Sunday.”