Burns: Villa have a chance to crack the top four

MY former Nottingham Forest colleague Martin O'Neill has come in for some criticism for not taking his top players to Moscow in the Uefa Cup.

Now, Aston Villa started their season in July to qualify for Europe but, after reaching the knock-out stages, they are out.

The likes of Ashley Young and Gareth Barry were left at home to rest.

But who would have thought they would be in such a prime position to qualify for a Champions League spot?

They have had a superb season so far. Now he wants to land it and justify all the money spent as well as attract more players in the summer.

So you cannot fault him in my opinion. Obviously, if he misses out on a top four spot, questions will be asked.

But if he lands it and Villa Park has Champions League football to entertain fans next season, the Uefa Cup will be a distant memory.

The way it is going at the moment, you would not bet against them to finish above Arsenal and become one of the top four football teams in England.