Aston Villa skipper Martin Laursen is relying on his team-mates to help fulfill his dream of playing in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Laursen said: "Every footballer dreams of playing at Wembley and I am hoping my team-mates can make it a reality for me over the course of the next few weeks.

"Right now there is nothing I can do to help. The medical experts reckon I will be sidelined for around eight weeks which is frustrating to say the least.

"But I certainly expect to be back by the time the FA Cup semi-finals roll around in mid-April. Success on Merseyside would leave us only one round away from that stage.

"Because of my various injury problems, I've only been involved in one FA Cup tie for Villa - against Manchester United - but I am aware just how important the competition is."

Laursen added: "We've got the top four spot in the league to push for and are still in the UEFA Cup plus the FA Cup. To miss out on all three at the present is disappointing for myself.

"But I am confident the lads will make sure we are still involved on all three fronts by the time I return. There is so much to play for."