ALEX McLeish has called upon the claret and blue convoy to inspire Villa to FA Cup victory over Arsenal when they descend on the Emirates this Sunday.

Villa have laid on free coaches as a gesture of appreciation to their away followers who have snapped up the allocation of 5,300 tickets for the tie.

McLeish has spoken repeatedly about the enthusiastic backing Villa receive on their travels and believes fans can play a part in the fourth-round match.

“There’s going to be some exodus of Villa fans on the day to come and support us, which is fantastic,” said McLeish.

“It is a great gesture from the club, which the supporters have fully taken up.

“It can create that extra buzz. That level of support can definitely lift everyone. Away from home, despite being outnumbered, the fans love their voices to be heard and they certainly have by the players and the coaching staff since the start of the season, no question about that.”

Having sold 5,300 tickets, Villa could have extended their allocation to 9,000, but only on a non-returnable basis.

With the game televised live on ESPN at 4pm on Sunday they assessed the demand and decided against taking the extra batch for fear of being left with unsold tickets.

McLeish was encouraged by Villa’s brave defeat to Arsenal at Villa Park before Christmas and believes they are capable of beating Arsene Wenger’s men.

Despite boasting an impressive record of two wins, two draws and just one defeat from their five trips to the Emirates, they will not be making any bold predictions.

“That Arsenal match earlier was one of the more heartening displays of the season and especially at home,” said McLeish.