Warnock focused on Cup

Warnock: Won't be distracted

Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock is putting his England World Cup dreams to one side as he focuses on helping his club reach the Carling Cup final.

Warnock is one of the challengers to provide the cover for the left-back spot behind Ashley Cole - with Wayne Bridge as his competition.

The 28-year-old, though, is focused on his first job, which is to help Martin O'Neill's side overcome his former club Blackburn in Wednesday night's League Cup semi-final, second leg.

Villa go into the game boasting a one-goal lead from the first meeting at Ewood Park and the defender is not allowing thoughts of a call-up for his country to distract him.

"I'm trying not to think about the World Cup. I'm just concentrating on the Premier League at the moment - and then hopefully the Carling Cup final if we get there," said Warnock.

Trophies

"Villa are in the spotlight and one of the reasons I came to this club is because I knew they are capable of challenging for trophies.

"What's meant to be is what's meant to be regarding England and, fingers crossed, I will get in there for the World Cup. It's a dream for every player.

"But I know there's very good players who are more than capable of getting in the squad ahead of me."

Villa are keen to capitalise on their first-leg lead in the return clash in front of the home fans, and Warnock insists their disappointing goalless draw with West Ham on Sunday will not be on their minds.

"We got a great result in the first leg and we know that we have set ourselves up nicely to bring them back to Villa Park and hopefully get the right result," he said.

Strong position

"The only thing we were disappointed in was not to score more goals. I think if we had grabbed a couple more we could have been in a very strong position going into the game.

"We are in a strong position now but it could have been even more favourable but the lads were very happy to get a clean sheet away from home.

"Will the West Ham game affect confidence? No, definitely not.

"This is a completely different game. The confidence hasn't been dented and it's still high, from the results of late.

"We still know we are capable of doing well in the league and upsetting teams and we know we are very capable in the cup as well."