Aston Villa defenders Liam Ridgewell and Aaron Hughes insist all the players are backing under-fire manager David O'Leary.

Fans chanted 'O'Leary out' after the 4-1 loss at Everton 10 days ago and a section of supporters draped banners to the same effect during Saturday's drab 0-0 home draw with Fulham.

But England under-21 international Ridgewell and Northern Ireland skipper Hughes are adamant O'Leary has the support of the dressing room.

Ridgewell said: "People have got their opinions but us as players and the gaffer are sticking together. I think you saw that against Fulham at the weekend.

"I am sure if everyone wasn't behind the gaffer, you might have seen a different result."

Hughes added: "The players are behind the manager. We want to get this 40-point mark that everyone talks about and then we want to finish the season as high as we can."