Cup double not priority to Alex McLeish
Tuesday 23rd August 2011, 3:30PM BST.
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted the Premier League remains the club’s priority – despite dreaming of double Carling Cup glory.
McLeish lifted the League Cup as Birmingham boss last season, after a shock 2-1 win over Arsenal at Wembley in February.
And, following his summer switch across the Second City, McLeish is eyeing more success – starting with tonight’s second round visit of Hereford.
Villa last won the League Cup in 1996 and reached the final last year, losing 2-1 to Manchester United, but McLeish insisted the league remains his No 1 concern.
He said: “It would be nice to do it two years in a row, but the big important place for us is the Premier League and trying to get as high up the table as we can.
“If the draw’s kind to you then you can see what happened last year with Birmingham. We don’t try and look too far ahead but we will be paying them ultimate respect.
“I’ll be encouraging the players to play at their absolute top level. If you’re getting a home draw it’s always a great bonus and we’ve got a team in a lower division so the expectations are that we’ll go through.
“But we know that there are banana skins. There are no guarantees in professional sport but if the players give me what they gave against Blackburn, in terms of their attitude and commitment, that will do me.
“Sometimes it can go pear-shaped for other reasons.”
Hereford, who drew 1-1 with Football League newboys AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, are 23rd in League Two and McLeish will make changes from the weekend’s 3-1 win over Blackburn.
Gabby Agbonlahor is a doubt after being replaced at half-time with a hamstring problem, while Emile Heskey and Luke Young were also withdrawn with abductor muscle and knee injuries respectively.
Brad Guzan could replace Shay Given, after thegoal keeper was troubled by a groin problem against Rovers.
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