O'Neil was carried off on a stretcher after being challenged by Reo-Coker during the Hammers 2-1 home reversal by Villa last weekend. He underwent a two-hour ankle operation on Wednesday and is facing at least several months out of action but there is also concern his entire career may be in jeopardy. But Villa assistant manager McAllister, who worked with O'Neil when on the coaching staff at Middlesbrough, insists the tackle was fair and that Reo-Coker won the ball. When asked about the reports of possible legal action against Reo-Coker, McAllister said: "I am surprised. I know Gary O'Neil quite well. I worked with him at Boro so, when I saw that the knock he got was bad, I got our video guys to show me the challenge. "I've got to say it's a good tackle and it's the follow-through of Gary O'Neil which catches the base of Nigel's boot, where I think the problem comes from. "Nigel clearly gets the ball. He's come from the side, not from the back and I just don't think Gary O'Neil's seen him. "It was just the sharpness of the tackle and just the follow-through has caught the underside of Nigel's boot. "I think Nigel can rest assured it was a good tackle." Meanwhile, McAllister believes striker Gabriel Agbonlahor will benefit from working alongside Villa coach Robert Duverne. Agbonlahor has endured a disappointing and injury-hit season but came off the substitutes' bench to score the winner against West Ham. McAllister said: "Gabby is looking sharp and fit in training and, for a good spell now, competition is hot - which is good. "I honestly think he will prosper working with Robert Duverne, who brings something different to the table. "Gabby has never worked with someone who has worked with David Trezeguet, Thierry Henry and with Anderson, the Brazilian lad at Lyon. "I think the sort of stuff that Robert does benefits strikers in particular with sharpness and I think Gabby is starting to reap the rewards of that. "Gabby is very quick of movement absolutely and he is definitely looking sharp and strong."
