Milner has been restricted to a string of appearances from the bench and former Rangers player Cuellar, who cost £7.8million, has only started in the UEFA Cup.

However the duo could both come into the side soon after Villa's unbeaten run ended at Chelsea last weekend.

O'Neill said: "I've made my views clear on the two lads (Milner and Cuellar). I think they are excellent. They are great acquisitions and it was difficult to change a winning side before.

"They appreciated that but James and Carlos are quality players."

Meanwhile Villa are hoping to arrange a game to help midfielder Steve Sidwell on his road to recovery from his knee setback.

The £5.5million summer signing from Chelsea made a successful comeback for the reserves this week.

O'Neill said: "He came through the reserve game okay this week. He needs games now and hopefully he can get a couple now in relatively quick succession.

"We are trying to get another game arranged for next week and we also have the reserve game against Chelsea as well so we have got some matches for him."