O'Neill watches from the stands

The O'Neill era, after his appointment on Friday, began with Saturday's 0-0 draw against Hannover 96 in Germany.

Goalkeeping coach Eric Steele was left in charge of team affairs for the low-key game which will not have given O'Neill a great deal of insight.

"I will have a better idea about the squad by the time we have finished the tour," said the new boss.

"It was my first chance to see the players and it is difficult to make a real assessment yet and on Saturday a few players were missing through injury.

"But this is my team now and I will be responsible for it. There is no such thing anymore as a watching brief."

Villa will next face two games in Holland when they play NEC Nijmegen and FC Groningen.