Cup among O'Neill's priorities - for now

Martin O’Neill insists the FA Cup is high on his priorities for Aston Villa’s season for now – but may change his mind as their Champions League charge progresses.

O’Neill saw his side overcome plucky Coca-Cola League Two side Gillingham in an entertaining third-round tie at Priestfield yesterday to move into round four for only the second time in the past eight seasons.

The Villa boss named a strong side for the clash with just three changes from the side which beat Hull 1-0 on Tuesday to send out a message that Villa are taking the cup seriously.

O’Neill said: “I think that we’ve gone as strongly as we can. Had Gabby Agbonlahor not taken ill, he was down to play also.

“We wanted to treat the game properly and treat the competition properly and that’s what we’ve done.

“At this stage, just to try and get through was our priority. If we can continue to make progress in the league, obviously we’ll have a look at it, but I felt it was the FA Cup third round, a big day in the calendar, also our UEFA Cup matches are not until mid-February so this was big.”