Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says he never had any intention of selling Marlon Harewood, despite interest in the striker from other clubs.The 27-year-old former West Ham man came off the substitutes' bench to impress O'Neill in Monday night's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, when he scored Villa's opening goal.

He has attracted a lot of interest from clubs, including Stoke, during January but O'Neill is keen for him to stay at Villa Park.

The manager said: "Obviously the players here have been keeping him out of the side because they have done well. They have been quality. But that performance on Monday night will have given Marlon great confidence.

"I've had a host of interest in him but I've never had any intention of taking advantage of that. I want him here for us. He has said he wants to play here and wants to fight for his chance here."

More Football News from TEAMtalk