Martin O'Neill has defended his selection policy in cup competitions after arguing that Aston Villa may not have a better chance in the next 25 years to qualify for the Champions League.
Villa supporters have voiced their disapproval at O'Neill fielding a virtual reserve team in the away leg of the Uefa Cup tie with CSKA Moscow in an effort to keep his key players fresh for a tilt at a top-four finish in the Premier League. That followed on from a below-strength side being knocked out of the Carling Cup at home by QPR.
On Sunday fans directed verbal abuse at striker Gabriel Agbonlahor after O'Neill had appealed before the game for them to back his faltering team in their attempt to finish ahead of Arsenal.
But O'Neill believes he has been acting in the best interests of Villa despite a seven-game run without a victory that has meant they have been overtaken by Arsenal. O'Neill said: "I'm responsible for the football club so eventually all the decisions that are made will be mine.
"It's my responsibility to put a side out to try and win some football games and, of course, I obviously accept all the criticism that's coming round. Some of it is a bit over the top but it is less of an issue than you think."
"You do what you consider is the right thing. You take these decisions. Other sides who have played lesser teams in the League Cup [and have gone out have taken less abuse.
"We went as strongly as we could to try and get a lead in the first leg against CSKA Moscow at Villa Park. But Aston Villa might not be, for the next 25 years, in with the same chance of qualifying for the Champions League. You never know.
"I'm not really concerned about it [the abuse]. Take the stick, take the punishment. That's my job. I cannot be responsible for what other people write or talk about.
"It's only four weeks ago that Arsène Wenger was told by fans to leave his job and a couple of years ago when Manchester United fans were phoning in saying he [Sir Alex Ferguson] had lost the plot – and they're the champions.
"It's entirely Aston Villa fans' prerogative to do what they want but I'm not so sure that it's entirely helpful at the minute. But it's symptomatic of where we stand here today."
O'Neill added that he has had no talks with Villa owner and chairman Randy Lerner about a new contract. The former Celtic manager is apparently content enough with his current arrangement of having a 12-month rolling deal.
He said: "I've not spoken to Randy in two-and-a-half years about a contract, nor have I had the need to do so. I don't know where the story came from. There's definitely nothing in it. I've never discussed a contract since the day I arrived and signed."
O'Neill is also in the dark over reports that the Football Association regard him as a major contender to eventually succeed Fabio Capello as England coach. He said: "I don't know anything about the report. I can't prevent anything being written – other than something libellous."
