O'Neill: Don't fear Euro challenge February 26 2008
Martin O'Neill has urged his Aston Villa players to show no fear as they challenge for a European spot during the final three months of the campaign.
Villa are in strong contention for a UEFA Cup spot and even have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League after a run of only one defeat in their last 11 matches.
Unlike their main challengers - Everton, Liverpool and Portsmouth - O'Neill's side only have the Premier League to concentrate on between now and mid-May.
The expectation levels and pressure will inevitably increase as the end of the campaign draws closer but O'Neill does not want his players to be scared of the prospect.
The Ulsterman said: "I don't think it is to do with us trying to hold our nerve. It is not as if we have been a kind of Liverpool, searching for form.
"Every game is hard for us - but we should not be fearful of these games. There is a subtle difference between that and holding your nerve.
"My message is 'don't be fearful of the matches, just go and try and win them'.
"Just when we were going fine, you get a setback like we had a couple of weeks ago at Fulham to make you realise you are not as good as you think and then you have to go again.
"But we have got ourselves into a decent position with 11 matches to go. We have just got to go and try and push on or stay with it and make it really interesting."
O'Neill still believes the Reds are favourites to clinch fourth spot even though they have been leapfrogged by the Toffees after their win at Manchester City on Monday evening.
He said: "I think Liverpool are by a mile the strongest side contesting fourth place and the reason being is because they have got a squad to match.
"I know they are heavily involved in the Champions League but that would be my view and the other managers with clubs in and around us would probably think the same.
"They have got the players. I thought myself they might challenge for the title this season so that is the esteem I hold that team in - but we will just keep going."