O'Neill told www.avfc.co.uk that the fans have brilliantly backed under-fire England keeper Scott Carson since his error against Croatia. He said:
"The fans have been really encouraging, and he has really appreciated that."
Villa have taken huge numbers of fans on their travels this season and O'Neill recognises that we have one of the best backings in the Premership. He continued:
"In the games he has played since (Croatia), he has had a big, vociferous support behind the goals behind him in both away games, and then he was given great encouragement by the reaction of the fans at Villa Park at the weekend."
Villa's away support has long been one of the best in the country, often filling their allocation. One example of this is the upcoming fixture against Wigan. The Claret and Blue Army have bought up all 5000 tickets and 500 more have now been made available.
Marlon Harewood, also speaking to www.avfc.co.uk, even dedicated his goal at Blackburn to the excellent Villa following. He said:
"That goal was for the supporters. They've been fantastic since the day I signed and I just hope that they keep that going, because it gees me up so much.
"Obviously because I haven't been playing, it's just fantastic to know they're there for me. If I get my chance i'm looking to come on and show them what I can do."
Lets hope the Villa fans will continue to be Villa's 12th man throughout the rest of the season and help Martin and Marlon secure a European place which the level of support really deserves.