They have failed to win in six games and now have to face leaders Manchester United, in-form Tottenham and second-placed Chelsea in the next fortnight in addition to bottom-of-the-table Charlton.

O’Neill has always been aware that his side would hit a rocky patch and he is desperate to bring in new blood during the January transfer window.

He said: “I’ve been worried since the start of the season. This is the situation we find ourselves in. We were only able to add Stiliyan Petrov to the squad in terms of buying anyone.

“It was always going to be difficult. I’ve been worried even when we won at Everton. I always get worried but it’s my job to worry and the defeat by Bolton doesn’t change anything.

“After that game was probably the worst I felt since I came here. We were beaten in our previous home game by Manchester City and had not played well enough in the first half. Against Bolton we were on the front foot for all of the game and we were beaten. It was particularly galling and disappointing.”

O’Neill, nevertheless, believes Villa should have a more tangible reward for their efforts in terms of a greater points tally.

He said: “We have not been able to secure all three points in games, we have let leads slip and then we’ve had to fightback to get something from matches like Portsmouth and Sheffield United.

“The fact is we should have had more points on the board to show for our efforts – especially since the Manchester City game.”

The Villa chief is leaving no stone unturned as he to tries to strengthen next month and West Brom skipper Curtis Davies and Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley are among his potential targets.

O’Neill said: “We haven’t got a strong enough squad and outside of Olof Mellberg and a couple of others, we have a very young side.

“They are showing a great willingness and ability but we do need strengthening for every single reason under the sun.”