Martin O'Neill will use the squad for UEFA Cup second leg clash against Litex Lovech so as to give some of his key players a much-deserved rest ahead of Sunday's Premiership match with leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Villans won the first leg 3-1, and are confident of making it to the group stages although O’Neill is wary of the Bulgarian outfit. Nevertheless, he is set to bring in the likes of James Milner, Carlos Cuellar and Moustapha Salifou while pondering giving rest to Gareth Barry and Stiliyan Petrov.

O'Neill said: "I will make some changes in the side but we need to get through. I think that is fundamental to tomorrow evening. The group stages is something we want to be involved in.”

The former Celtic boss continued: "We have a squad of players here, whom I would be expecting to play Premier League football, to come into the side and keep us going.

"James Milner will start. Definitely. I thought when he came on the other day against Sunderland, he was brilliant - and he will be brilliant for us down the coming years."

"The Chelsea game will have some bearing on the side I select. I hate to try and look forward but the side will have some bearing only because of the glut of games we have played,” he added.

"Some players, like Gareth Barry, have played a host of games, including the recent England games, without respite. Stiliyan Petrov has had a similar schedule so, as much as Thursday is important, I have to keep an eye on Sunday at the same time.”

Hailing the summer-signings, winger Milner and defender Cuellar as having potential to make themselves regular at Villa Park, the Irish tactician said: "James Milner, Carlos Cuellar, whoever, if they play well could put themselves in the frame for Chelsea. Cuellar is going to be some player. He has been very impressive and wants to play. Milner is desperate to play."