Aston Villa v Rotherham United: Evans urges Millers to use possession wisely

The Millers manager has likened the challenge in front of his side to scaling Ben Nevis in trainers.

Striker Danny Nardiello will sit out the game due to a one-match ban after his dismissal for two bookable offences in the weekend draw with Shrewsbury.

Evans revealed that the forward was almost in tears in the dressing room on Saturday after realising he had let his team-mates down.

For the rest of his playing colleagues, it is a rare place in the national limelight with Evans and his side determined to make the most of it.

Evans and his Villa counterpart Paul Lambert share an affinity with Celtic, but that is where the similarities end between the clubs.

Evans, who has revealed he is chasing two or three signings before the transfer window closes, including a player currently in the Scottish Premier League, said of tonight’s test, said: “It will be like climbing Ben Nevis in our training shoes.

“Football will always be a game of shock results, every season in football history that has happened and that will continue for sure.

“Villa are in superb form this season, they have top players, they have lots of youth and energy plus – in my opinion – they also have a top manager in Paul Lambert.

“We do not kid ourselves that this match will be tough and at times we might not see a lot of the ball, so when we do we have to make sure we use our time with it effectively.”

Evans, who masterminded several cup shocks in his time as Crawley manager, added: “We will be taking somewhere in the region of four thousand supporters to Villa Park.

“I know they will give the team the best vocal backing we could get.

“When we arrive at Villa Park we do so as a very proud squad of men, that is the minimum criteria I want from all of us when we leave to head back to Rotherham.

“I want all of us to enjoy and embrace the occasion.

“But we must deliver a huge performance if we are to cause a cup upset, and I believe we can.”

Last six games: Aston Villa LLWDLW, Rotherham DWDWDW.

Last time: Aston Villa 1 Rotherham 2; October 9, 1971; Division Three.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).