O'Neill plays down 'big five' chances

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Villa's remarkable 3-2 win at Everton on Sunday, when Ashley Young grabbed two goals including the 94th-minute winner, saw Villa take a six-point lead over Everton as they moved back into fifth spot. The midlands side are now just a point behind Arsenal in fourth, with Everton boss David Moyes claiming that O'Neill's men "are now the most likely side to crack the top four".

O'Neill said: "We have a bit of a gap now between ourselves and Everton, and a number of other teams. But I do not put much score on that at the moment, there is a lot more can happen."

He added: "Who knows what Manchester City will do in the transfer window? I will not start looking at gaps for a while yet. If we can win four or five on the trot, then I might start thinking in those terms.

"Then we may have made the sort of improvement to give us a chance. I hear what David Moyes has said, and that coming from such a good manager is pleasing. But that does not really mean much, although it is flattering to hear.

"But Everton have shown the same resilience over the last couple of years, it is those qualities that have come from them and we are searching for.

"We are definitely improving. For the moment we are ecstatic."

O'Neill praised Young's "world class" ability that clinched a remarkable victory.

He said: "It was an incredible last minute. And it has so much to do with Young. He is an incredible footballer, world class. Sensational.

"He's about eight stone wet through, but with a heart the size of a lion. And he is getting better and better."