Reo-Coker sets sights on Europe

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes European qualification has to be the target for Martin O'Neill's side this season.

Villa head into the trip to Wigan in eighth place in the Barclays Premier League - three points away from a UEFA Cup spot and only six shy of the battle for a Champions League place.

England Under-21 international Reo-Coker said: "The possibility of qualifying for the UEFA Cup and the Champions League is there to be achieved. If we can get on a good run then we will put ourselves in a good position to achieve this kind of objective."

He added: "If you can make sure that you come out of the back end of January and you are just six to nine points off second place then you are having a really great season.

"It is really coming down to the fact that we have to make sure that we push ourselves all the way.

Whether Villa can stay in the race for Europe could hinge on two of the brightest talents at Villa Park, Reo-Coker's fellow under-21 internationals Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The duo are starting to come of age this season but Reo-Coker does not feel they get the plaudits they deserve.

"I don't think Ashley Young or Gabby Agbonlahor have got the recognition that they deserve," explained Reo-Coker.

"They are great talents and they have shown that tremendous ability already this season.

"Just look at the goals that Gabby has scored so far. They are not the average type of goals either that a 21-year-old should be scoring."