TONY PULIS has lavished praise on opposite number Martin O'Neill and tipped him to break the mould and lead the Villans into the Champions League.
The former Leicester City and Celtic boss has transformed the fortunes of the Club after leading them to the Carling Cup Final and FA Cup Semi-Final, and Pulis believes he can round off what would be a remarkable season by breaking into the top four.
"Martin has done an absolutely fantastic job there, and I believe that both Villa and Tottenham have bridged that gap between themselves and the so called big four," he told stokecityfc.com.
"I don't believe in people or clubs just being given things, they have to earn it, like Villa will have to earn the right to break the top four. But I believe they are close to doing that now and should they go on to do it, then no-one can say it wasn't deserved.
"I have got a lot of time for Martin, he is a top, top man and he is gracious win, lose or draw. Some manager's moan and groan but Martin never does and he is got a bit of quality about him."
The Villa boss has an array of England World Cup hopefuls hoping to secure their place on the plane to South Africa in the summer and Pulis believes that this is a crucial reason behind their continued success.
"Martin has brought in a number of English players and they have molded as a group, he knows them and their character and it is obviously easier for them because they don't have to adjust to life in England.
"They are as good an attacking team that I have seen for a long time, they have so much pace and they play the game the way it should be played."
He added: "They play very quickly through the pitch and they have players who can produce killer passes, they have got all the tools in the bank and I would pay to watch them."
Pulis is relishing the prospect of taking on Villa in a game which he describes as a 'hugely exciting local derby' and one that the fans will be eagerly anticipating.
"It will be a really full tilt local derby," he smiles. "No disrespect to Port Vale or Crewe, but it's nice to be playing a local derby against a side like Villa. It is going to be mouthwatering clash and I am really looking forward to it."
