Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has assured fans they're serious about the FA Cup.

Villa meet Middlesbrough in the Third Round today.

Emery said: “I won some titles in different cups in France with PSG, and I was asking this morning for some players' experiences in different cup competitions when they've been successful.

“We are here trying to build a new way with Aston Villa and the players we have here. We are going to try to do one way in this competition because it's a very prestigious competition here in England.

“We have to be focused to build and create a strong structure with the players we have, thinking in our mentality about doing something important.

“We want to be contenders to play in the next round. We are respecting Middlesbrough; they are going to be excited to play against us.

“Always we have to be demanding in every match we are facing. It's a way for a trophy and a way to get prestige for the club, supporters and players.

“This is the first picture I want to show the players: prestige, fighting for a trophy and playing in the Europa League if you are successful at the end. That is another motivation.

“I will face them tomorrow morning in the meeting sending them this message."