O'Neill wants to strengthen Villa

O'Neill has only brought in one player since taking over at Villa

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says he is desperate to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

Stilian Petrov is O'Neill's only major signing since he took over, and the Villa boss said: "I've been worried since the start of the season.

"We haven't got a strong enough squad and, apart from Olof Mellberg and a few others, we have a very young side.

"They are showing a great willingness and ability but we need strengthening for every single reason under the sun."

After a bright start under O'Neill, Villa are on a run of six games without a win and now face a daunting festive programme in which they face Manchester United and Chelsea.

As well as signing Petrov, O'Neill has brought in free agents Chris Sutton and Didier Agathe, and signed Gabor Kiraly on loan.

He is now reported to be considering moves for highly rated West Brom skipper Curtis Davies and Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley, currently on loan at Rangers.