Zat Knight insists Villa have what it takes to end over a quarter of a century of European heartache by lifting this season’s UEFA Cup.

Not since Peter Withe scored arguably the most famous goal in the club’s history to win the European Cup in 1982 have Villa tasted true success on the continent – but that is what Martin O’Neill’s side are aiming to emulate.

This week’s draw for the UEFA Cup stages pitted Villa against two other former European Cup winners, Ajax and Hamburg, and the likes of AC Milan, Valencia and Sevilla potentially lie in wait in the last 32.

Yet Knight is adamant Villa have nothing to fear.

He said: “We are in it, so why can’t we win it? We are a big Premier League side, we finished sixth in the league last season we are going to be a big threat to any side.“

“Everyone is on an even keel. I think everyone is as good as each other in our group so it just depends on how much we want it.

“I think it is one of the stronger groups. Every game is going to be like playing Manchester United or Chelsea, so we can pysche ourselves up for the likes of these teams and do well.

“If we can get something at home against Ajax, the other three teams are going to be thinking they better pull their socks up for Aston Villa. Many people might be thinking Ajax are favourites to win the group anyway.”

Knight revealed the prospect of a trip to Milan had been discussed in the Villa dressing room.

He said: “A lot of the boys had been talking about it. We were all wondering if we’d get AC Milan and be off to the San Siro.

“That would have been nice in hindsight as it would have been a good experience. On the other hand, you would really want to go there in the later stages.”