Cup exit could have silver lining, says Aston Villa keeper Scott Carson

Jan 9 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

SCOTT Carson believes Villa's early FA Cup exit could yet prove a "blessing in disguise" if a less hectic fixture list helps them into Europe.

Villa's third-round defeat to Manchester United was initially felt like a hammer blow around the dressing room.

But with one of the smallest squads in the Premier League, Villa could prosper from a less demanding programme.

It has not escaped Carson's notice that Villa will play just three games in the whole of February.

Carson said: "We need to win our home games - that's the priority - hopefully starting against Reading on Saturday.

"Europe is still very much a possibility and, you never know, defeat to Manchester United could be a blessing in disguise for us.

"It's the old clich of concentrating on the league but that's the way we must look at it.

"We've been doing exceptionally well in the Premier League. We've got a good points total and we'll be looking to have a solid January." Reading are yet to win an away league game but head to Villa Park having scored six goals in two away games - one League, one FA Cup - at Tottenham.

Carson continued: "They have scored a lot of goals and conceded a lot too. That seems to be a trend throughout the Premier League this season.

"We certainly got a fair share at Tottenham, as well. I think the amount of goals has got to go down to the quality of the attacking play this season."

Carson will be hoping to put some recent indifferent form behind him.

He did not enjoy the best of games against United and has not kept a clean sheet in eight matches.

He added: "I just need to stay positive and confident and save everything I can."