Martin O’Neill will send his Villa troops into Carling Cup final battle at Wembley with the message – ‘You’ve got what it takes to lift the trophy’.

Manchester United stand between Villa and their first major piece of silverware since 1996, when Brian Little’s team won the League Cup, with the current holders starting as strong favourites to triumph at a packed-out national stadium.

But, while boss O’Neill insists it won’t be easy tomorrow, he believes his team, still unbeaten in 2010, have nothing to fear against the champions and are more than capable of upsetting the odds.

“I think we can win the game but it won’t be easy,” said O’Neill.

“When they played Tottenham in last year’s final they played some of the younger players and Rooney wasn’t even involved.

“It will probably be their strongest side but there’s a genuine belief we can win.”

And O’Neill is delighted it is United his team are facing because it will make for such a grand occasion.
He added: “It will be really nice to see the boys going out at Wembley performing against one of the best teams in European football and seeing what they can do.

“I think the very fact Manchester United are contesting it gives it plenty of razzmatazz and credibility, so I’m delighted it’s them we’re playing.

“I think the players are getting better and that’s the only conclusion you can draw from it all. James Milner, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young you can see it – I’ve mentioned those three English players – their form’s really exceptional and they’re improving.

“I’m hoping the players will perform strongly, that’s what I want because for us to beat Manchester United they have to.”

O’Neill, who faces a major selection poser over whether to choose Brad Friedel or Brad Guzan in goal, insists he is yet to finalise his starting line-up.

“No absolutely not,” he said. “Normally I don’t announce the side until about 75 minutes before kick-off but, in finals I’ve been involved in for Wycombe and Leicester, particularly at Wembley, I announced it maybe on the morning of the game so I’ll give that some consideration.”

O’Neill has full-strength side to choose from for the clash, which will see over 31,000 Villa supporters travel to the capital.