Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill says he is thrilled with his side's defensive record.

Villa have kept three consecutive clean sheets and O'Neill is confident they can keep out MSK Zilina in the UEFA Cup knockout stages.

He said: "Look at the top sides. Liverpool have conceded very few this season and so have Chelsea.

"Manchester United conceded very few when they won the title last season.

"For all the quality and flair of Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who can conjure a moment's brilliance from nowhere, they know how important it is to stay tight and keep clean sheets. That is something we have to work on.

"If you told me we would win the next seven games 5-4, I'd take it obviously. Don't get me wrong it would be great and very exciting for the fans. But we have to be less generous and there are signs that this is happening."