Martin O'Neill upbeat despite Aston Villa's Rapid defeat

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is confident his side can still make progress in the Europa League despite this first-leg disaster.

His side were beaten 1-0 by Austrian side Rapid Vienna after Nikica Jelavic scored inside the first minute in the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium.

It could have been worse for Villa with Christopher Drazan having a shot cleared off the line but O'Neill believes the deficit can be overturned in the second leg.

He said: "We tried to create and when you are getting players forward, obviously you are going to leave gaps but overall I'm pleased.

"We knew this was going to be exceptionally difficult – so will the return tie – but we are going to try to win.

"They had a number of chances but we did too and could have capitalised on it.

"We are still well in the game and have a great match to look forward to next week.

"Of course we can overturn it. It was never going to be an easy match but this time next week we will be fitter again."

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Villa, who lost to Wigan in their Premier League opener last weekend.

Form was also poor towards the end of last season as Villa fell out of Champions League contention.

O'Neill must now pick his side up for a league trip to Liverpool on Monday before hosting Rapid in the return leg three days later.

"The games are hard and approaching us pretty quickly but when we settle down this season we will be absolutely fine," O'Neill added.

"We need to improve and keep improving. As the whole squad gets wound up and fully fit then we will be OK."

Brad Guzan was given a rare start in goal in one of four changes made after the Wigan defeat.

But the first job for the American, replacing his rested compatriot Brad Friedel, was to pick the ball out of the net.

Only seconds had gone when the ball was worked out to the dangerous Drazan and he whipped in a curling cross for Jelavic to head home.

Villa made a good start to the second half and the introduction of Gabriel Agbonlahor for Craig Gardner added pace but still they struggled to test keeper Helge Payer.

Ashley Young created Villa's best opportunity with a brilliant turn and cross just after the hour but Curtis Davies failed to keep his header down.

Rapid were still a threat and Villa were almost caught twice by Drazan with 20 minutes remaining.

Drazan first tested Guzan with a ferocious shot then Yasin Pehlivan set him up but Davies cleared off the line.