And the Villa boss believes Young will have done his England prospects no harm whatsoever in front of watching head coach Fabio Capello.

Young scored twice and constantly tormented the Birmingham defence as his side romped to a 5-1 victory.

It was the biggest winning margin in a league fixture between the rivals since Villa gained a 6-2 victory in the old First Division back in October 1960.

John Carew (2) and Gabriel Agbonlahor completed the rout with City's only reply coming from substitute Mikael Forssell.

O'Neill said: "I thought if we could win at all I would be delighted. We went into the game with loads of confidence but I would not have envisaged winning so comprehensively.

"There were some magnificent displays by individuals and it would be hard to pick people out. But Ashley Young, in front of Fabio Capello, has done his chances of getting into future England squads no harm whatsoever.

"He was absolutely brilliant today, I think he's been brilliant since he arrived here. Things really started to take off for him at the back end of last season and this time around he has been phenomenal.

"People go on about me giving him a free role but it is all a matter of trying to get him in possession of the ball because he can cause havoc."

Villa are now only three points adrift of fifth-placed Everton, who they take on at Goodison Park next Sunday.

O'Neill's side will go there bubbling with confidence after scoring 15 goals in their last three matches to give them a chance of qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

O'Neill said: "We have put ourselves in with a chance. I've a lot of time for Everton, and it has been a terrific season for them in the league and in a couple of cup competitions.

"We go there knowing we have to win the game, and the good thing is we have given ourselves a chance."

O'Neill believes the current goal power being shown by Villa has been on the cards for much of the season.

He said: "I think we have been creating chances all season. Now they are starting to fly in, and only Manchester United have scored more goals than us.

"Unfortunately, we also concede a lot of goals, maybe that is inevitable with the way we play, but we are attack minded."

O'Neill believes the opening goal from Young - a stunning volley - helped to settle Villa down after an even 20 minutes.

He said: "Goals change things. Birmingham came here with an attack-minded side and early on it was very close.

"The first goal was very important, as was the second just before half-time. After that we did very well in the second half."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is demanding a response from his players in the final three games of the season in their bid to climb out of the bottom three.

He said: "I am sure the players feel as bad as myself and the fans, because the dressing room is silent. But we knew it would come down to the last three games whether we lost by one or five goals.

"We thought we could get something from Villa Park by being organised and tight, but they played fantastically, and their front men caused havoc.

"We can look at every goal and point a finger at someone but you have to give credit to Villa. John Carew was unplayable and, let's be honest, Villa have a different agenda to us, and they are a better side than us.

"We have now got to see if there will be a reaction next week. What has been evident from this side is that we have bounced back from defeat.

"We can do it again, because the proof is already there.

"We need the fans to stay with us the next three games, starting next week against Liverpool at St Andrews, where we have done very well."

Birmingham striker Mauro Zarate showed his frustration by kicking a television microphone and advertising hoardings after being substituted by McLeish midway through the second half.

McLeish said: "I spoke to Mauro after the game and we need everyone to show the spirit required in the current situation.

"But he assured me what he did was out of frustration with his own performance and nothing else."