Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has challenged his fringe players to prove their worth in the Carling Cup clash at Sunderland.

Emile Heskey, Nigel Reo-Coker, Luke Young and Fabian Delph are all expected to be in the starting line-up.

O'Neill has told his squad: "Once you are given that opportunity, grab it.

"I think you are constantly aware of the good players in your squad who for some reason or other haven't got into the side and may consider themselves a wee bit unlucky.

"But generally speaking, here at the minute, if you are not getting into the side it is because someone else is playing better in your position. I said I was going to try and utilise the squad this year but the players who will come in are not peripheral players.

"They are players who, in the case of one or two, perhaps might consider themselves unlucky not to be in the starting line-up.

"So whatever side that goes out I would be happy in the knowledge that we will be capable of winning the game."