O'Neill full of sympathy for Toon

Martin O'Neill had nothing but sympathy for Newcastle counterpart Alan Shearer after Villa's win condemned them to the Championship.

Damien Duff's own goal handed Villa a 1-0 win on the final day of the Premier League season, ending the Magpies' 16-year stay in the top flight.

But the Villa chief believes Shearer, who he has worked alongside as a World Cup pundit for the BBC, is the right man to bring United back up next season - despite his lack of managerial experience.

O'Neill said: "I know the story today is not about us and I am sorry and have sympathy for Alan Shearer and Newcastle.

"The Premier League will be poorer without Newcastle in it. It is disappointing that they have been relegated.