Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish was delighted with their battling 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

McLeish praised the fighting qualities of his young side, particularly as they had to cope with the loss of striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender James Collins through injury.

Villa are now five points above the bottom three ahead of Tuesday's home clash with Bolton.

McLeish said: "Sunderland are a very good side with a lot of experience but the boys had the chances to win it with just a bit more quality in the final third of the pitch.

"They gave everything they could and the young boys are playing out of their skins.

"We have got four games to go and we have got to try and take points in every game. We are capable of that with the spirit the boys are showing."