Baros' strike gives O'Neill timely nudge

Martin O'Neill, the Aston Villa manager, has admitted that the out-of-favour striker Milan Baros had given him "food for thought" after an impressive performance for the reserves.

The Czech international has been on the bench in recent games with O'Neill preferring Juan Pablo Angel and Chris Sutton up front.

But Baros, who missed the early part of the campaign with a foot problem, created a favourable impression on O'Neill by scoring against Tottenham on Monday night.

"Milan scored a goal and did really well," O'Neill said. "He tried to get hold of the ball, tried to turn, tried to run with it and did fine.

"It will give me food for thought because, although we haven't had that much tinkering to do, we have had to change things a wee bit because of injuries and suspensions. We are not that good that people can't break into the side and stay there."

Villa could go to the United States - home of the new owner, Randy Lerner - during their 2007-2008 pre-season. O'Neill said: "Randy Lerner wouldn't mind if there was the possibility of us going to America."