Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard insists he'll play a full-strength team tonight at FA Cup opponents Manchester United.

Gerrard was part of the Liverpool side that lifted the trophy in 2001.

"We will pick the strongest possible team," confirmed Gerrard. "There is enough time to recover before the next game so it makes no sense to make wholesale changes.

"The cup competitions should be looked at as opportunities to impress ourselves and our supporters. You would be very naive to underestimate this competition.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the FA Cup will always be a very special trophy.

"My message to the players is that they can have some of the highlights of their career in this competition. If you're English you grow up watching the final and you dream of playing in it.

"You actually create the scene in the street if you want to be footballer. I lived the dream — a good cup run can give you memories for the rest of your life."