Although Villa were among the quietest clubs on a frenetic deadline day, their total summer spending came to almost £50million, with Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Steve Sidwell, Luke Young, Nicky Shorey, Carlos Cuellar and James Milner all moving to the Midlands.

O'Neill admits he would have liked to have added a forward to his list of signings, but maintains he is confident in the new-look squad at his disposal.

He told the club's official website: "I feel I now have a talented group of players.

"It was quiet on deadline night, and in an ideal world it would have been great to sign another forward with the amount of games we have to play, but it's easier said than done.

"But we do have an up-and-coming striker in Nathan Delfouneso who will play some games for us and we've got Gabby (Agbonlahor), John (Carew) and Marlon (Harewood)."