Leading lights prepared to play tie

Villa’s leading lights have given Martin O’Neill a boost ahead of the QPR Carling Cup clash by declaring: “We’re ready to play if needed.”

O’Neill is expected to ring the changes against the Hoops and give his fringe players a run-out, after many of his first choice XI played three games in a week.

John Carew, Ashley Young and skipper Martin Laursen have all confirmed they are more than happy to play against Iain Dowie’s Championship side – now among the world’s richest clubs – should their services be required.

Laursen, speaking at the launch of the Acorns Christmas Appeal in Birmingham’s Mailbox, said: “I haven’t spoken to the manager yet but if he wants to rest me then that’s up to him.

“Obviously I have played a lot of games, I’ve played two games with Denmark as well so he might have that in his thoughts.

I’ve played three games in six days but I feel good, I feel great.”

Young, who like Carew returned from injury to play at the Hawthorns, freely admits he never enjoys sitting on the sidelines.