Reo-Coker wants Villains to adopt 'nasty streak'

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But the midfielder believes Villa have to develop a "nasty streak" if they are to fulfil those lofty ambitions.

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Reo-Coker, signed from West Ham for £8million, said: "You could say that the manager has a team here that could stay together for a decade.

"It's a fantastic possibility but I think we might even achieve some great stuff this season. There is an abundance of talent here.

"The only criticism I would have at the moment is that we are too nice. We need a nasty streak, in the right way, and then we'll be successful."

O'Neill has been impressed by O'Neill since making his summer switch from Upton Park.

He said: "I like people who are upfront and real - not pretenders or fakes who butter me up. I'm such a self critic that I don't need people to tell me if I've played well or not.

"But the manager here is different. Martin O'Neill is a very wise man and, when he speaks, people listen."

Reo-Coker skippered England Under-21s to the semi-finals of the European Championships in the summer and the next logical step would be eventual promotion to the senior squad.

But international aspirations are currently on the back-burner for the ex-Wimbledon player.

He said: "I don't know about international football at the moment. This is all about me enjoying my life and my football.

"My main focus and goal are on Aston Villa. The most important thing for me is the backing of the management at this club."