Martin O’Neill admits he is just as desperate to revive his love affair with the League Cup as Villa supporters.

Only Liverpool (seven) have won the competition more than Villa’s five, however, it is 13 years since the claret and blues lifted the trophy – their last piece of proper silverware.

They host Cardiff in the third round tonight aiming to avoid an early exit at the hands of Championship opposition at this stage for a third successive season.

Villa were dumped out of the competition by QPR a year ago while O’Neill’s former club Leicester brought their involvement to a premature end two campaigns ago.

But having won the cup twice while manager of the Foxes and twice as a player at Nottingham Forest, O’Neill has fond memories of his own and says he shares fans’ frustration at their recent record in the competition.

“I am sure the fans would like us to get a run going in the competition, every bit as much as I would like to do myself,” said O’Neill.

“As a player and manager, I’ve managed to win it. It has been brilliant and getting to Wembley is one of the great feelings you can have in football.”

O’Neill has vowed to shuffle his pack for the clash but insists he will still be fielding a strong side, meaning the likes of Habib Beye, Nicky Shorey, Craig Gardner, Fabian Delph and Nathan Delfouneso should all feature.

He added: “I said I was going to try and utilise the squad this year but the players who will come in are not peripheral players. Whatever side, I would be happy in the knowledge that we will be capable of winning.”