Martin O'Neill on the 1-0 victory over Portsmouth

artin O'Neill was delighted with the immediate impact of goal hero Emile Heskey - but revealed he was lost for words when it came to congratulating him.

He told AVTV: "Emile's goal was a great finish and it was a super display from him.

"He had never played with Gabby before but I thought there was an instant rapport.

"It wasn't just his fantastic finish - I thought he helped Gabby out enormously. I was delighted with his overall performance.

"He was great, particularly when you consider he doesn't know the team at all. I was delighted for him.

"When he came off, I just said: "Brilliant Emile!" I haven't got the word power of a Wordsworth, Milton or Chaucer, so I just told him he was brilliant."

While MON was obviously thrilled by his new signing's all-action display, he was also glowing in his praise of a host of claret and blue heroes.

He added: "There were loads of brilliant performances - Carlos Cuellar and Zat Knight to start.

"Luke Young at left-back was terrific and the captain Gareth Barry was fantastic.

"His opening 20 minutes set the tone for the game. He was going in and winning challenges he had no right to win.

"Stiliyan Petrov was excellent and James Milner was fantastic - absolutely fantastic."

Martin O'Neill comments on Aston Villa sneaking in against Gillingham

Martin O'Neill admitted his team got the tough test he expected in the third round FA Cup tie with Gillingham.

Aston Villa snuck in with two goals from birthday boy James Milner lifting his side to a scrappy 1-2 victory...

O'Neill paid tribute to Mark Stimson's League Two side as they gave Villa a real scare during 90 rip-roaring minutes.

O'Neill told AVTV: "It was a really difficult cup-tie. I thought it was going to be tough before kick-off and so it proved.

"If the players hadn't thought they were going to be in a real cup-tie, they knew they were after 10 minutes. It was just an exceptionally difficult game and I am delighted to get through to the next round.

"James opened the scoring for us and I thought that first goal was fantastic. It gave us a lift and kept us going but then they equalised and it was all hands to the pump for us after that.

"Gillingham threw everything at us and the home crowd got right behind their team. They were spirited - so all credit to them.

"We got the winner but we certainly never felt comfortable.

"I am happy to have won and I am pleased for our travelling fans because it was cold out there. I hope the result heats them up as they travel home."

Martin O'Neill praises Villa

Martin O'Neill praised his players for their commitment and determination in coming from behind to beat Sunderland.

O'Neill also picked out Stiliyan Petrov as the outstanding performer on the day.

He told AVTV: "I am delighted with the third successive league win because Premier League points are hard to come by.

"It was a great effort by the players. I thought we might tire as the game wore on, as was the case, but it was good to have something to hold on to. Sunderland pressed at the death but it was good to see it through.

"Ashley scored an absolutely fantastic goal and John continued his good form with a great finish. I couldn't be more pleased for the lads because they have showed an enormous amount of determination to fight back in the game.

"We seem to be getting into the habit of winning close games, which is very encouraging.

"The team have been playing so, so well but if I was to pick anyone out this afternoon, it would be Stiliyan. I thought he was absolutely outstanding.

"I heard the announcement at the end of the game that he was man of the match. I certainly wouldn't disagree with that."

Source: Aston Villa Media