Martin O'Neill untroubled by Aston Villa form

Jan 18 2010 By John Curtis

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is playing down his side's recent league run ahead of Wednesday's home Carling Cup semi-final, second leg clash with Blackburn.

After being reminded of recent statistics - one point and no goals from their last three games - he said: "I am delighted someone brought up we've gone three league games without a goal. They are a real bundle of joy. Can they narrow it down to the number of minutes we haven't scored?

"Unbelievably, I thought we scored on Thursday in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final. We've also taken one point from a possible nine which I'm sure I will be reminded of as well.

"But I think in the two league games we've had at home, against Liverpool and West Ham, we've got one point from those and, if we had four on the board, I don't think the opposition could have complained."

Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker looks set to miss the second leg with an ankle injury suffered in a training ground practice game ahead of the clash with the Hammers.

O'Neill said: "Nigel got injured on Saturday. His ankle has definitely swollen a bit. Wednesday might be too early for him but I am hoping he could be available for Saturday (against Brighton in the FA Cup)."