Source: Team_Talk
Sidwell set for Royals welcome
Former Royals midfielder Sidwell could be handed a rare start for Martin O'Neill's side at the Madejski Stadium as Villa look to progress toward their second cup final of the season.[LNB]The 27-year-old was an unused substitute during last Sunday's Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United and has failed to secure a first-team spot at Villa Park since his £5million move from Chelsea in the summer of 2008.[LNB]But he is still afforded hero status at Reading where he scored 30 goals from midfield in a four-year spell before leaving to join Jose Mourinho's Chelsea on a free transfer.[LNB]McDermott said: "Steve Sidwell could well start and everyone at Reading will only speak highly of him.[LNB]"He left the club on a Bosman but his attitude that season was first class.[LNB]"He was always available for selection and never pulled out of any tackles. He was 100% committed in every game up until the day he left and we look forward to seeing him on Sunday."[LNB]Sidwell could come up against Reading midfielder Jay Tabb in the centre of the pitch and the former Brentford and Coventry man has admitted a win and a place in the last four would be a dream come true.[LNB]McDermott's side have vastly improved since beating Liverpool in round three in January and will approach the tie full of confidence.[LNB]Tabb said: "This is a great tie for us against a Villa team looking at a top-four finish in the best league in the world.[LNB]"The cup has been a turning point for us this season and I've always loved the FA Cup.[LNB]"It's a great competition and I'm really looking forward to playing on Sunday.[LNB]"The further you go, the more people sit up and take notice.[LNB]"We are top of the form table at the moment and we have already beaten big teams to get this far so we have no fear.[LNB]"It is a great achievement from the squad to get this far and we want to keep it going.[LNB]"The chance to play at Wembley hasn't sunk in yet but we will give it everything to get through to the semi-final."[LNB][LNB] Aston Villa 5/6, Draw 12/5, Reading 10/3
