Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he needs to continue to add to his squad this summer.

O'Neill knows one of the major reasons why his side did not finish higher last term was a mid-season slump which came about, partly, because of the small squad he found himself working with.

He is keen not to experience the same fate again, hence the widespread search for new talent.

"Last season we were operating with a small squad and this time around we want to improve it," he said. "It is going to be particularly difficult to do that with the sort of quality we need but it is not impossible."