O'Neill 'irritated' by Villa pair

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has admitted Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor 'irritate him' but says the pair can shine for England.

On the whole, O'Neill has nothing but praise for Agbonlahor and Young and claims that the pair will almost certainly make England's 2010 World Cup squad but he admits their sometimes mischevious antics off the pitch can get on his nerves.

The Villa boss claims the pair see themselves as the funny men around Villa Park, but hopes their joking around will not damage their international ambitions.

He said: "You hope you wouldn't be prevented from playing for England just because you have a joke,

"Ashley and Gabby are full of it. Sometimes they get on my nerves. I want them to be as dull as myself.

"They are fine and great to be around. They are good company and they can irritate you but I don't think that would be anything to prevent them from playing for England.

"If and when England qualify for the World Cup, which I hope they do, then I am sure those boys - if they stay clear of serious injury - will be on the plane to South Africa."