"It was a disappointment not to play a part in last season's final," he said. "I was in the squad and had played in a few games along the way in the competition.
"I had never played in a final in England. I had reached the semi-finals in the two knockout competitions and I found myself watching from the stands.
"But now I have a chance here with Aston Villa and this is a chance for the club to win something. There are not many rounds to go."
"It is a fantastic draw and we are going to have to raise our game again.
"The final is in your mind but what a hurdle we've got to get over first. It helps being at home but with Liverpool anything can happen.