Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill enthused by revitalised cup
O'Neill, whose side follow the clash with the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Tuesday, felt that the FA Cup had been in danger of diminishing in importance.[LNB]However, he believes the competition is enjoying a renaissance after its prestige took a blow in the 1999-2000 season, when Manchester United did not defend the trophy due to their World Club Championship commitments.[LNB]"The FA Cup is back in vogue," he said.[LNB]"I think maybe it seemed to slide down the scale of importance.[LNB]"But it has regained its position as it is great competition and probably the best domestic competition in European football. I am glad to see that and I desperately want to stay in the competition.[LNB]"Blackburn will be thinking the same as ourselves but I always think winning football games is important to the life-blood of a club.[LNB]"Last season we got through a couple of tricky ties against Gillingham and Doncaster.[LNB]"They were hard games away from home to ultimately end up with a[LNB]tie at Everton.[LNB]"People tell me that losing at Everton was the start of our demise as it[LNB]was the first time we had been beaten for some time.[LNB]"I don't adhere to that really as Everton went on to beat Liverpool and reached the final.[LNB]"From that viewpoint and many aspects it probably kept Everton going. We were unfortunate to lose out and had to start all over again."[LNB]Villa will have to start all over again against Blackburn as they head into the game after a pointless Christmas following defeats at the hands of Arsenal and Liverpool.[LNB]O'Neill admits the cup could be just what Villa need to get over those two results as he felt they were hard to take.[LNB]He added: "Naturally, I've been disappointed with the two recent[LNB]results.[LNB]"Up until Cesc Fabregas scored a fantastic free-kick we were well in[LNB]the game down at Arsenal.[LNB]"Losing the extra couple of goals at the end of the game didn't really bother me.[LNB]"People may look at the scoreline and think we were well and truly beaten but we weren't.[LNB]"We should have beaten Liverpool. They had a little spell in the second half when they had a bit of control.[LNB]"We had the better chances and their goalkeeper had a blinding match. The truth is that Liverpool had very few chances and that is why it is a major, major disappointed.[LNB]"Just when you thought a draw was on the cards the ball fell kindly for them and they score. We have to get over it.[LNB]"After that game it is probably good to put our attention somewhere elsewhere for a day or two and really try and focus on the two cup ties."[LNB]Success in the FA Cup tie would also give Villa a psychological advantage heading into the Carling Cup showdown with Blackburn.[LNB]O'Neill said: "To draw first blood against Blackburn would[LNB]psychologically do us no harm.[LNB]"If I was asked in terms of the importance of the FA Cup I would say it is a very important competition but we are, like Blackburn, close to a Wembley final."[LNB][LNB] FA Cup 09/10 Win Outright: Aston Villa 16/1
