O'Neill appointed Villa manager

Martin O'Neill ended his 15-month break from the game when he was appointed manager of Premier League club Aston Villa yesterday.

The 54-year-old quit Scottish club Celtic in May 2005 after five years in charge to care for his wife Geraldine who was suffering from a serious illness.

"It's fantastic to be back. It's a fantastic challenge," O'Neill told a news conference at Villa Park.

"I'm raring to go. I have a lot of enthusiasm."

O'Neill, an ex-Northern Ireland international midfielder who won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest as a player, replaces David O'Leary. The former Ireland defender left by mutual consent last month after a row over alleged player criticism of long-standing chairman Doug Ellis.

O'Neill said he aimed to restore Villa, European champions in 1982 but without a major trophy for 10 years, to their former glories.

His appointment comes amid interest from several parties in buying Ellis's controlling share in Villa.

American billionaire Randy Lerner and a consortium headed by local businessman Michael Neville have been linked with the Midlands club.

Ellis said discussions were "ongoing" but did not elaborate further.