Phillips Makes Case For FA Cup Start

Aston Villa reserves ran riot last night at the Bescot Stadium.

Villa beat Manchester City 5-2 with a brace from Kevin Phillips. Perfect timing Kev, this surely sent the message loud and clear to David O'Leary to start the player on Saturday against Port Vale in the FA Cup clash. His battling qualities and natural finishing have been missed since his ankle injury sidelined him. Lets hope he can now stay fit and start to really show the Villa fans what he can do.

Comments from Kevin Phillips - click here

Forgotten man Peter Whittingham also scored two goals in a dazzling display with Gabriel Agbonlahor completing the scoring for Villa.

Phillips said: "I'm not 100 per cent yet, but I'm getting there and it was another good run-out for me." Adding "Whether I'm ready for the Port Vale game or not, that's up to the gaffer but as far as I'm concerned I want to be involved. It's a big game and we want to do well in the cup this season."

VILLA: Taylor, de la Cruz, O'Halloran, Green, Ridgewell, Whittingham, Ward, Gardner, Moore, Phillips, Agbonlahor. Subs: Paul, Olejnik, Kabeya, Bridges, Osbourne.