Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will refuse to give up hope of qualifying for Europe - even if Everton beat Chelsea on Thursday.

O'Neill's side could have closed the gap on the Toffees to three points by Sunday if Chelsea are triumphant on Merseyside and Villa dispose of struggling Birmingham 72 hours later.

And O'Neill has challenged his side to maintain the form which has brought them six points and 10 goals from the last two games in their bid to earn a UEFA Cup spot.

He said: "Everton have got a big game against Chelsea tonight and we'll know on Sunday what we have to do. It's a big game and, while we still have a chance, let's keep going for it.

"Even if Everton beat Chelsea tonight, they still have to go to Arsenal and entertain Newcastle.

"When we had the dip in form and results, we didn't give up on Europe. That didn't mask the disappointment that we didn't play well and dropped points.

"But we didn't really listen to people who said that was the end of it as far as Europe was concerned."

O'Neill added: "I don't think anyone can argue with our form at the minute. The boys are raring to go and they're playing great stuff.

"To win 6-0 away in the Premier League (at Derby) whether your opponents are already down or not, is an achievement.

"Goal difference could be very, very important at the end of the season. It was very important that we dragged back the goals we conceded against Manchester United at Old Trafford (lost 4-0).

"We did that against Bolton and now we've put an extra six onto our tally that could be worth something.

"We've just got to keep going and if we can continue in this sort of form, scoring goals and not conceding them. That can make a massive difference at the end of the season."

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