O'Neill not worried by sloppy Intertoto display

The Birmingham outfit are aiming to qualify for the UEFA Cup via one of football's most obscure competitions and they looked to be taking a valuable lead back to Villa Park when Martin Laursen headed them in front with 14 minutes remaining.

However, a last-gasp drive from Anders Moller Christensen ensured that the match ended as a 2-2 draw and stunned the Premier League side, who, at times, looked rusty and lacking fitness.

Villa took the lead early on, thanks to a powerful John Carew volley, but his strike was cancelled out when debutant Steve Sidwell put through his own net.

However, despite his side's deficiencies, O'Neill is confident they will finish the job when Odense travel to the Midlands for the second leg this Saturday.

He said: "I'd expect that by this time next week we'll be much fitter and that's important.

"It was so important for us to stay in the competition. We've scored two goals and we'll be better for it next week.

"I felt for a little period in the second half we started to look tired, but then we started to force it again and we had a couple of decent opportunities and got the goal to go back in front.

"It was just disappointing that we conceded so late in the game. But it's all set up now for Villa Park next week."