Villa eyeing 'special' season - Sidwell

Steve Sidwell has revealed the determination of the Aston Villa players to "achieve something special" this season as they continue their bid for glory on three fronts in Sunday's FA Cup clash at Everton.

Martin O'Neill's side also have their sights fixed on achieving a Champions League spot for the first time as well as resuming their pursuit of the UEFA Cup against CSKA Moscow in midweek.

Sidwell told PA Sport: "It is down to us. We are a victim of our own success at the minute with the amount of games we've got to play, FA Cup, UEFA Cup and now being at the top part of the Premier League. But those are the demands you expect for being up there - and we want to strive to achieve something special for this football club this season."

Ahead of Sunday's match, he added: "We knew it was going to be a tough game in the last round against Doncaster, who took us to a replay, and now we've got a tough game to come at Everton.

"It is going to be tough especially when you get down to the last part of the FA Cup because it is such a special competition.

"It doesn't matter who you play. It could be lower league side or a top Premier League side but you know you are going to get a difficult game whoever it is.

"We are in amongst it in three competitions and the question is 'can we last the pace?' That is what it boils down to. We have got a squad now that we think are capable of doing it."