Martin O'Neill

MARTIN O’NEILL did not get the England job — but he has had a huge influence on the squad to face Switzerland next Wednesday.

The Aston Villa boss helped Gareth Barry break into the international set-up and now boasts an incredible five players in Fabio Capello’s first squad.

Joining the Villa skipper on England duty next week are exciting attacking kids Gabriel Agbonlahor, 21, and Ashley Young, 22.

Curtis Davies and Scott Carson, both on loan at Villa, are also in Capello’s line-up.

Keeper Carson will be relieved after his howler against Croatia.

But he is likely to be on the bench behind David James.

Centre-back Davies, 22, admitted he was ‘shocked’ to earn his first England call-up.

It is a turnaround for a player who branded himself ‘a pub player’ after his debut against Leicester in the Carling Cup.

He said: “I’m shocked but absolutely delighted. I’m really happy.”

Agbonlahor said: “Joining up with a senior England squad is a tremendous honour.”