Stephen Warnock says the Carling Cup semi-final has got Aston Villa buzzing
Dec 4 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
Stephen Warnock
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STEPHEN Warnock believes Carling Cup fever will help rather than hinder Villa’s Champions League push by adding to the Villa Park atmosphere.
Warnock is relishing the semi-final against former club Blackburn and reckons the excitement about the tie could rub off on Villa in the Premier League.
The popular left-back is convinced the last-four showdown next month will create a feelgood factor among fans and get players battling for their places.
And Warnock is hoping Martin O’Neill’s men can keep the confidence flowing by beating Phil Brown’s improving Hull at Villa Park tomorrow.
“The players will look forward to playing every game and they’ll want to be putting ideas in the manager’s mind for the semi-final, getting in his team and staying in his team,” said Warnock.
“There will be a buzz around the place because there is that potential of going to a final, but you can’t get carried away. It’s only the potential of going to it – you’re not in the final – you’ve got to prove that you’re worth going there.
“The Christmas period is very important for us because we have got tough games coming up.
“We know that if we can stay in and around the top four until Christmas time then we have a very good chance of being there come the end of the season.”
Warnock has been impressed by the atmosphere at Villa Park and the former Liverpool defender admits it rivals any ground in the league, including Anfield.
“I think it’s brilliant,” he said.
“It hasn’t surprised me, I’ve played here before and always thought the atmosphere was fantastic.
“The fans are right behind the team from the very first whistle, it’s a major help for us because when you have got that type of backing it gives the players an extra bit of a push.
“If you’re not enjoying playing at Villa Park there’s something wrong.
