Baros is yet to make an impression on Martin O'Neill

Baros, 25, equalised for the Czech Republic against Denmark on Wednesday but has struggled to make an impression since O'Neill's summer arrival.

O'Neill told the Birmingham Post: "I'm going to reserve judgement on a few things for a bit longer.

"There's no doubt if he can get back to his best he should be an asset, but he has to perform on the pitch."

Baros arrived at Villa Park in a �6.5m deal from Liverpool in August 2005.

But in a season and a half in the West Midlands, he has scored just eight goals in 27 Premiership appearances and is yet to open his account this season.

The Czech striker was lined up to move to Hamburg during the summer but it fell through when the German club failed to meet Villa's valuation.

No matter what you do eventually it is down to the player Villa boss Martin O'Neill

Baros has been plagued by a foot injury and O'Neill accepts that has affected the striker's fitness and confidence.

O'Neill said: "He's obviously cost the club a sizeable amount of money, come with a biggish reputation and has scored goals in international football.

"Maybe he thought it would be easier for him to adapt but football is not like that.

"It's not as difficult if you've got loads of ability, you're fit and fresh and raring to go and have confidence, but confidence isn't as great as he'd want at the moment.

"We have a new fitness scheme but no matter what you do, and you can encourage and cajole, but eventually it is down to the player.

"Once I make my mind I may stick with it, but at the moment I'm deliberating."