Villa seem certain to qualify automatically for Europe for the first time in 11 years despite a 12-game run without a victory ending their hopes of a top four finish.

But O'Neill can see the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City, Everton and even the north-east clubs - if they survive the drop - being a force next season at the top end of the table.

O'Neill said: "I expect Manchester City and Tottenham to be very strong next season. You can also imagine Everton maybe getting a bit of renewed strength.

"Who is also to say what might happen in the north east? You always think those sides, with phenomenal support, if they avoid the drop this season will take that as a real scare and get stronger again.

"It is very exciting - but it is very difficult."

Villa's current dismal sequence of results is still favourable compared with those of Monday's opponents Hull who are in freefall towards the relegation zone after such a promising start to the campaign.

O'Neill said: "Things like that can happen. You can go on a winless streak and wonder where the next win is coming from.

"But I don't think that Hull, despite the great start they had to the season, would have foreseen a second half of the season that has been as tough as it was - and continues to be."

O'Neill received a welcome boost with striker John Carew pledging his long term future to Villa after speculation linking him with a move to either Werder Bremen or Galatasaray this summer.

Carew, Villa's joint top scorer this season with 13 goals, has been in sparkling form since returning from a back problem.

The Norway international said: "I am very happy here. I don't want to leave this club. I love being here and everything about it - the fans, the players, everyone.

"I see no reason why I should leave. I am enjoying my football and I am happy to be contributing towards the cause and for the good of Aston Villa."