Commitment impresses Villa boss

ASTON VILLA manager Martin O’Neill praised the commitment of his players in their last game before Sunday’s Carling Cup final as they stayed on course for a Wembley double.

Villa overcame Crystal Palace 3-1 in an FA Cup replay and will now visit Reading in the quarter-finals on March 7.

Two late penalties from John Carew sealed victory after a spot-kick from Palace’s Darren Ambrose had cancelled out a first-half goal from Gabriel Agbonlahor.

But O’Neill was pleased that none of his players appeared to have the weekend meeting with Manchester United on their minds as they gave a typically determined performance.

O’Neill said: ‘‘We went strongly with our side in this game and injuries are always a risk but the players were prepared to take that risk.

‘‘All the players were prepared to go for it tonight and I did not see one shirking anything at all ahead of Sunday.

‘‘That speaks volumes for the team and the tremendous commitment they showed in addition to the fantastic ability they have.’’ O’Neill admitted a couple of his players had picked up knocks but will have a better idea of their fitness today.

He said: ‘‘I stayed a bit longer in the dressing room to find out about one or two of them and we will have a better idea tomorrow.”