But that will not prevent him from looking to further strengthen during the January transfer window when a striker is likely to be number one priority.

O'Neill had little choice in terms of being able to change the personnel in his starting line-up during his first two seasons in charge of the midlands club.

But a £50million summer transfer spree has altered that as Villa look to cope with a relentless schedule of three games a week up until the festive period ahead of tomorrow's home league clash with Blackburn.

The strength is depth is highlighted by the fact that Steve Sidwell, a £5million capture from Chelsea, could step into former skipper Gareth Barry's shoes if the England midfielder fails to shake off a foot injury.

And striker John Carew, fined heavily by Villa after being spotted in a lap-dancing club during the early hours ahead of the UEFA Cup clash with Ajax last week, could return to the starting XI against Paul Ince's side.

O'Neill said: "In terms of competition for places, it is probably the strongest it has been during my two years at Villa.

"I am not saying we have reached the heights of competition for places that is currently the norm at Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"But, from our viewpoint, the situation is getting stronger and that's a good sign and healthy, where players are not absolutely certain of playing because there are others battling to get into the side.

"I've said to the players that in the next few weeks, all of them will get used because we have got tough games coming up in quick succession.

"We've got this game, then a league game on Monday night, then fly off to Prague for the UEFA Cup virtually straight after to play a difficult game.

"It will catch up with you. By Christmas we will have played 'X' number more matches that we wouldn't have played last year. I will have to take all that into consideration."

O'Neill made two of his most astute signings during the January 2007 transfer window in Carew and winger Ashley Young but knows attempts to sign players in mid-season can be frustrating.

He said: "I think that we should look now to try and strengthen if we could do in January.

"I know we get linked with all sorts of players but up front we've got Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carew, Marlon Harewood and young Nathan Delfouneso whom I'm hoping will come through eventually.

"But, from that viewpoint, you would be looking to try and strengthen in case anything happens to anyone.

"It can be easier said than done and business in January time can be frustrating although it worked out well two years ago (with Carew and Young)."

Barry is battling to overcome the foot injury which led to him being substituted early in the second half of the 4-0 win at Wigan on Sunday.

O'Neill said: "He is making good progress. I will wait until tomorrow to see. He is still in a bit of discomfort but, knowing Gareth, he would want to play in the game - but at this minute we are not sure.

"If there is any chance that he would get to play, he would want to do it. He has bruised the bridge of his foot. There was a bit of a cut as well. We will see."

O'Neill would not confirm that Carew would return to the side after being left out of the 18 completely against Ajax before coming off the bench to score against Wigan.

But the Norwegian international seems likely to partner Agbonlahor as Villa look to sustain their push to break into the elite.

O'Neill said: "Will Carew start tomorrow? That will be for me to make the decision on at some stage."