DWIGHT YORKE missed out on the chance of an FA Cup hat-trick and then revealed at least one of his team-mates was not too concerned.

The Trinidadian international had been forced into a watching brief at Meadow Lane last week as second division Notts County had held out for a draw.

Last night. Yorke returned to the Aston Villa frontline to plunder his 14th and 15th of the season as Brian Little's side triumphed 3-0 to claim a fourth round trip to Derby.

Ugo Ehiogu grabbed the third and as County faded, Yorke had the opportunities to complete his personal three-timer. But the striker said that injured midfielder Mark Draper had been the beneficiary of his act of generosity to the well mauled Magpies. "1 might have had a hat-trick, but I know Mark was happy that I didn't get it," smiled the engaging Yorke. "He had backed us to win 3-0, with me getting the first goal, and once Ugo had notched his, it meant he was spot-on.

"I'm sure that every time he saw me get the ball and not score he was up in the stand saying 'keep missing'!"

Draper himself joined on the lengthy Villa Park casualty list by groin strain victim Tommy Johnson was coy about saying just how much he had won, although he looked like a man who had taken the bookies for a few bob.

But another Villa man who had something to smile about was troubled Sasa Curcic. The £4.3million midfielder made his first home appearance since going public on his misgivings about his summer move from Bolton. Instead of the feared derision of the home fans. Curcic found himself applauded by the Holte Enders, and it was his skill that created both of Yorke's goals.

Yorke was clearly pleased for his colleague. "It was a pleasure to have him playing like that again.” said the striker.

Little expects a tougher time at the Baseball Ground, especially if Johnson joins Draper. Fernando Nelson. Ian Taylor and Steve Staunton on the missing list.

"It's just like a Premiership game away from home." said Little. "That means it's going to be difficult. and they've also had an extra day off.”