Villa have gone six games without a victory

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is hoping that his "refreshed" side are ready for the final push for a Champions League spot.

Villa have just returned from a five-day trip to Dubai which the former Celtic manager believes will have been beneficial for his squad.

"I felt it was important for us because we wanted to get prepared for this very tough run-in," said O'Neill.

"We have trained and enjoyed some sun. The players now feel refreshed."

He added: "It was vital to regroup, get ourselves together again and now we want to go out and win some games."

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Prior to the trip, Villa had gone six matches without a win in all competitions. They now just have the league to concentrate on, although O'Neill is hoping the team's charge is not affected by injuries which his players may pick up while on international duty in March.

"We are in the position, other than the international break, where we are in charge of the training and the rest and stepping up and down of the players in terms of what they do in training," he added.

"That fortnight where they are away is something I am not in control of.

"You just hope and pray that the players come back but for the rest of the time we know what we need to do between now and the end of the season."

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