Villa boss denies row with Pearce

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill insists there is no problem between him and England Under-21 coach Stuart Peace over the handling of Craig Gardner.

O'Neill admitted he was disappointed that Gardner was not substituted quicker in the recent game with Poland after complaining of being injured.

But he told the club's website: "There hasn't been any spat.

"I was disappointed that he [Gardner] got injured in a game that was really meaningless," he added.

Gardner's injury meant he missed Villa's 4-0 defeat at Manchester United as Nigel Reo-Coker filled in at right-back but O'Neill's not blaming anyone else.

And O'Neill added: "I've not had any run-ins with Stuart Pearce, he's trying to do his job."

"If anyone at the FA wants to enquire after the health of Craig Gardner that's alright but I won't be chasing anybody."

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