“We know the fan expectations of this club are that we should be fighting up towards that top eight at least.

“We have to have that mission for the second half of the season. I am not saying we will do it, but I am saying we can do it.

“If the players continue to believe in themselves the way they did in the second half against Wolves then we have to make that a target.”

McLeish insists Villa will be giving the cup their full attention and respect this weekend.

“The magic of the FA Cup dictates you can’t leave anything to chance and you have to go and do your utmost to get through to the next round,” he added.

“We have a tough away tie, we know that, but the top clubs have proven this season that they are not unbeatable.”