Nigel Reo-Coker believes Martin O'Neill should be named the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year for the way he has steered Villa up the table.

With just two games to go O'Neill has guided Villa into the race for UEFA Cup football and Reo-Coker believes the achievement is all the more impressive because Villa have one of the smaller squads in the top-flight.

The combative midfielder said: "He needs to strengthen our squad, but I'm sure Martin knows what he's doing. He's done a tremendous job and I think he should be Manager of the Year for what he's done.

"I would love to see the records of whether anyone has achieved what he has so far with the small squad that he has had."

As Villa prepare for Saturday's home clash with Wigan Athletic, Reo-Coker is convinced Everton can be caught in the race for fifth spot.

He added: "In our opinion we still believe so. We are still fighting for fifth place with Everton, we have both got two games left and they will be very interesting fixtures.

"It's fantastic to play here. When you come and watch Villa we either concede some or we will score some. There will always be goals. I don't think we have heard of a 0-0 draw. It's free-flowing football, it's attacking football, and that's how we are."