Nigel Reo-Coker rose above the West Ham boo-boys on his first return to Upton Park and insisted: "What mattered was getting Villa into Europe."

The combative midfielder was targeted by the Hammers crowd throughout yesterday's 2-2 draw. But he had the last laugh with a hand in both goals as Villa secured a place in next season's Intertoto Cup.

Afterwards Reo-Coker told www.avfc.co.uk: "It was impossible to block out the crowd. But I knew what to expect and I concentrated on my game. I did what I had to do.

"It was difficult but it wasn't about me. We went into the game knowing so much was at stake and our whole season could stand or fall on the one game.

"It was pleasing for me to be involved in the two goals, but what mattered was how the team finished the season.

"It was end to end stuff between two sides who play end to end football. I think it was definitely entertaining stuff for the supporters."

He continued: "We've done what we set out to do at the start of the season. In any other season finishing sixth would have got us straight into Europe.

"It's been a strange season in the FA Cup and Carling Cup going the way of the underdogs. But that's football and we're delighted with what we've done this season.

"To finish where we have is a great effort. If you look at the small squad that we've got, I think about eight players have played over 30 League games this season.

"We've ended the season well. We didn't get into the UEFA Cup automatically but we've got a great chance to qualify through the Intertoto Cup."

See AVTV Online for much more reaction to yesterday's draw.