Laursen is my John Terry, insists Villa boss O'Neill

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Villa boss O’Neill claimed stand-in skipper Laursen is as important to him as John Terry is to Chelsea after a 2-2 InterToto Cup third qualifying round draw with Odense.

In Gareth Barry’s absence, O’Neill was searching for a leader and the likeable Dane
responded by giving Villa a 2-1 lead from Ashley Young’s free-kick 13 minutes from
time.

Up and running: Laursen celebrates his goal in Aston Villa's 2-2 draw against Odense during Saturday's Intertoto Cup match

That goal appeared to have given Villa a first-leg advantage — an own goal by Steve
Sidwell had earlier cancelled out John Carew’s opener — before Odense centre half Anders Moller Christensen levelled in the dying seconds.

O’Neill said: ‘Martin’s nearly 31 years of age and he tries to improve every day. That’s
great in itself. The injury he had to his knee would have floored lesser men. He’s in the
John Terry mould, isn’t he?

'He’s become a talismanic figure. I must admit when I saw him two years ago I never believed for one minute that he would play the number of games that he has. It has
been quite extraordinary.’

Laursen said: ‘I would be proud to be the captain of Aston Villa. it’s not going to be
something that will ruin my season if it doesn’t happen but I would be privileged to do it.’