O’Neill hits back after Villans turn nasty

Martin O’Neill is backing his former club Aston Villa to recapture former glories as he denied leaving them in the lurch by quitting five days before the start of the 2010-11 campaign.

O’Neill returned to Villa Park for the first time with his current team Sunderland on Saturday and was booed by the home fans before and during a goalless draw.

The Northern Irishman led Villa to three top-six Barclays Premier League finishes and the Carling Cup final — a contrast to their current position just above the relegation zone.