Martin O'Neill insists he has "no regrets" about
Aston Villa's involvement in the UEFA Cup despite his decision to
rest key men in Russia.
O'Neill believes the European experience will stand all
his players in good stead as Villa look to seal a Champions League
spot for next season via a top four finish in the Premier
League.
And he is hoping that in 12 months time Villa will have a big
enough squad to sustain a push for domestic and European glory.
O'Neill, who has left eight first-team players at home for
Thursday's last-32 second-leg clash with CSKA Moscow, said: "I have
no regrets whatsoever about entering the UEFA Cup.
"I am delighted because these experiences will definitely stand
us in good stead.
"I am not just talking about the younger players like Gabby
(Agbonlahor) and Ashley (Young) but also ones who have played a lot
of international football like Gareth Barry and Stiliyan
Petrov.
"I think the European games at club level have been terrific for
everyone so there are no regrets. In many aspects, it has helped us
immensely.
"Maybe this time next year, all these experiences that we have
had will stand us in good stead."
O'Neill added: "If we are still involved in Europe by this time
next year, hopefully we will have the size of squad to be involved
in these things.
"But the chairman (Randy Lerner) has entrusted me in the running
of the football club. This is the way I am doing it at the
minute.
"The Premier League, given the position we are in, is very
important. Taking everything into account, we have to
prioritise."