*Collymore leads Double speak after slaying Tigers*

Although the Villa manager John Gregory is adamant that the Premiership is the only prize he is interested in this season, it has not escaped his players’ notice that the FA Cup provides an excellent alternative route to much needed silverware.

Steve Watson and Stan Collymore in particular are eager to fare well in the Cup to erase the disappointment they have suffered in the competition. Watson was a beaten finalist with Newcastle last May and Collymore suffered a similar fate with Liverpool two seasons earlier.

Both played prominent roles in ensuring that the Premiership leaders were not unhinged by a Hull side six points adrift at the bottom of the Third Division.

Collymore’s goals either side of Julian Joachim’s precise header, coupled with Watson’s powerful breaks down the right, had Hull firmly on the defensive after they had held out manfully until a minute before half-time.

Six of Collymore’s seven goals this season have been scored in cup matches and the striker is in no doubt Villa can have a big say in this competition. “We have already played against and beaten a lot of the teams you would expect to find in the latter stages of the FA Cup,” he said.

“I see no reason why we cannot figure prominently and of course the double of league title and FA Cup would be very nice. We have a long way to go in both, but why not?”

Watson, growing in stature with every game since his arrival from Newcastle, echoed his colleague’s sentiments: “A good cup run makes a nice break from the league. I would love to return for another Wembley final and hopefully go one better. And why not?”

Unfortunately for Gregory, injuries are mounting at this crucial stage of the season. Alan Thompson is the latest casualty, damaging ankle ligaments in training. He is likely to be absent for a month, joining his fellow midfielders Ian Taylor and Paul Merson on the sidelines.

If Villa are to realise their dream of winning a trophy, or even two, Gregory can ill afford to see any more of his talented but small squad sit out important matches because of injury or suspension.