O'Neill has impressed during his time with Villa

McClaren's future is in doubt with his side struggling to reach Euro 2008 and Villa chairman Randy Lerner says he would not stand in O'Neill's way.

But O'Neill said: "My chairman has mentioned something.

"He was trying to answer a question that was being hypothetical about the England situation."

England's 2-1 defeat in Russia on Wednesday has left them struggling to qualify for Euro 2008.

They need beat Croatia and hope Russia fail to beat either Israel or Andorra to reach the finals next summer.

O'Neill added: "More importantly, I think England were really unlucky against Russia.

I have no doubt that Martin O'Neill could be a successful national coach Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner

"They have been playing great in the matches and my own view, for what it is worth, is that they will still qualify.

"I think that Russia will not find the game in Israel easy. I should not be saying any more. All of this is wildly unfair.

"It is unfair to talk about this with people having already made their minds up about the group - and it is not over.

"Steve McClaren is absolutely right in that the group is decided over 12 games and if England qualify, which I still think they have a great chance of doing, will they not deserve to qualify? Yes, I think they will.

"I think it is unfair to ask me the question and I am going to take a real stance. That is the end of my answer."

Villa have made an impressive start to this season after a first campaign of transition under O'Neill.

And American billionaire Lerner said: "I would not stand in his way.

"Obviously, they would be interested in Martin because of the way he has handled himself at Aston Villa.

606: DEBATE I just hope he is not tempted by the England job No1holtender

"I have no doubt that he could be a highly successful national coach.

"I think what Martin has undoubtedly is very difficult to define - passion to lead and passion to compete. He is able to express his ideas very effectively and in a way which is very compelling.

"Martin is integral to our plans for Villa. If he left, it would leave us needing to get to work pretty quickly I suppose - but it is something I have never speculated upon.

"It is not unthinkable but is something you do not want to spend too much time on because it's not something you can prepare for. It would have to be dealt with if and when it happened."

One report suggests former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho would be interested in succeeding McClaren if he lost his job.

And ex-Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann is also regarded as a favoured FA choice in some quarters as speculation rages about McClaren's future, despite public backing from FA chief executive Brian Barwick.

Experienced Italian duo Fabio Capello and Marcello Lippi, a World Cup winner in 2006, are currently available while previous number one choice Luiz Felipe Scolari is still with Portugal.

But former England boss Sir Bobby Robson led support for McClaren.

Robson told the beleaguered England coach: "Stick with it, Steve. It's not all over. We're not out until we are out. You know what the football industry is like.

"Unfortunately we can't control our own destiny but sometimes other things happen. So don't wilt, don't read the papers and carry on with your life

"And hope Israel can do us a favour."