Manager Alex McLeish has admitted life is not easy dealing with the Aston Villa boo-boys.

Once again McLeish was targeted by his own fans during Saturday afternoon’s 0-0 draw at Wigan.

Fans chanted “you don’t know what you’re doing” following the second-half introduction of Emile Heskey.

They also brought up McLeish’s history as a former Birmingham manager and cried “we want our Villa back” as their team laboured in unconvincing manner.

McLeish refused to condemn those who are so opposed to him.

However, it is clearly difficult to ignore the abuse.

“Nobody likes it,” he said.

“I can’t say it is water off a duck’s back and I don’t mind it.

“I understand the modern-day thinking but I am not going to get into a spat with my own supporters.

“I need those guys.”

And McLeish insists he is prepared for the battle he is facing.

“I have got a great challenge here,” he said.

“It is probably one of the toughest jobs in the Premier League but I am up for it. I am willing to take it on.

“I still believe we will prosper.”

Problems are piling up though, with Darren Bent now facing an extended period on the sidelines following an ankle injury suffered on the same day loan star Robbie Keane made his final appearance before exiting to rejoin Major League Soccer.

In addition, experienced defender Richard Dunne will possibly miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.

“At the moment it is a schedule of eight to 10 weeks,” said McLeish.

“Possibly the modern medicine can quicken it up a bit.”

The curious thing on Saturday was that despite being outplayed for long periods, Villa had the better chances.

Keane, Bent and Carlos Cuellar were all repelled by Ali Al Habsi, who had precious little else to do.

The frustration for Latics boss Roberto Martinez was obvious.

His team remain at the foot of the Premier League, without a home win since August, and time is starting to run out, even if the Spaniard retains his normal optimism.

“Now results are a real priority,” he said.

“We can win games away from home but at the moment we can’t rely on our home form.

“It would be a real advantage if we could rectify that.

“We have 12 games left to get the points we need to stay up but I do not think there is a sense of fear. We know what we have to do.

“Unfortunately we have been in this situation to many times. We are a great example of how to face adversity.”