Gary Cahill has hinted that Martin O’Neill made a mistake in letting him leave Aston Villa.

A frustrated Cahill left Villa Park last January when he joined Bolton Wanderers in a £5million deal, and he has become one of the best defenders in England and won a call-up to the national squad.

"Did O'Neill made a mistake in letting me go? He is a great manager. Maybe ask him that question. But everyone makes mistakes from time to time,” said the 23-year-old.

"He has moved on and brought in some centre-halves who are doing well so there are no hard feelings. He never shoved me out of the door. I spoke with him a few times.

“It was just at that time, he couldn't guarantee me playing week in and week out, which is what I wanted to do. I can't do anything when I'm sitting on the bench.”

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