Davies has not started since his debut against Leicester

Davies claimed he played like "a pub team player" during the game which Villa lost 1-0 back in September.

The centre-back has not started a Premiership game for Villa since moving from West Brom on a season-long loan.

"He is pushing for a place. His reserve performances have been excellent and he is improving," O'Neill said.

"Curtis Davies has come here and he has said himself his is the longest spell he has been out of the first team anywhere in his career.

"But I haven't signed him for four or five games, I've signed him for the next x number of years and I want him to be a really big player for Aston Villa which I am sure he can be.

"This current spell - although he may not see it like this - will give him some sort of incentive so when he gets into the team, as he will inevitably, that he is in there to stay."