O'Neill in favour of video technology

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill believes it is inevitable video technology will be introduced into football after his side benefited from the kind of contentious decision which would come under scrutiny.

Villa remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot after James Milner’s spot-kick earned them victory over local rivals Birmingham at Villa Park yesterday lunch-time.

But Blues boss Alex McLeish was incensed by the decision of referee Martin Atkinson to award a spot-kick for a challenge by Roger Johnson on Gabriel Agbonlahor.

O’Neill felt similarly angry at two contentious decisions which did not go in Villa’s favour in the Carling Cup final and FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United and Chelsea respectively.

And he concedes technology made no be far away from becoming part and parcel of the game.

He said: “Should video technology come in? You may well have a point. I’m sure at some stage in the next couple of years it will probably come in – and I’m quite sure I would welcome that.

“If Rugby League can make decisions on tries, and it doesn’t disrupt the game phenomenally, then I think it is worth a shout in football.”

McLeish is more in favour of the extra officials that have been trialled in the Europa League this season.

He said: “How far do you go with video technology but (UEFA president) Michel Platini’s methods would have worked with in this case, the fifth and sixth officials.

“They would have seen Roger got the touch on the ball.”

Villa are level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham and now face a trip to Manchester City and their former skipper Gareth Barry next weekend.

O’Neill said: “Have we a fighting chance of the Champions League? It has been a great week for us (nine points from three games) and the consequence of winning against Birmingham is that we have qualified for Europe (Europa League).

“Now we can go into these last two league games giving it everything. Manchester City will be exceptionally hard but we are going to have to try and win.”

City will be without injured keeper Shay Given but will not be able to recall Joe Hart who is on loan to Birmingham this season.

McLeish confirmed: “Joe Hart is staying for the rest of the season. We’ve had no contact with Manchester City.”

It was Villa’s veteran keeper Brad Friedel who kept his side in contention before Milner’s spot-kick with a string of superb saves.

O’Neill said: “Brad was fantastic. He has great experience and ability. Some of the saves in the second half were superb.

“He works exceptionally hard, lives very well indeed, and has been terrific for us in the two years he has been here.”