It represents a golden chance for City to reach the last four - given Villa's lengthy injury list - for the first time since they lost to Liverpool in the 2001 final. But McLeish knows winning the competition will count for little if Birmingham were also to be relegated. He said: "The draw has been kind to us with four home games this season and we've got to try and take advantage again. "We're now in the quarter-finals and we've got to look to try and go all the way. "We know that on paper Villa would still be the stronger team although, at St Andrew's, I wouldn't back against Birmingham, against anyone. "Against Villa I've got to play as strong a team as I can." McLeish added: "It would be great to lift some silverware but the Premier League is our priority, our bread and butter. "If we lifted the Carling Cup and were relegated, that would be a disaster." McLeish enjoyed plenty of derby success against Celtic when in charge of Rangers but is still to taste victory over Villa. But he stressed the need for his players to stay calm and focused if they are to have a chance of overcoming Gerard Houllier's side. He said: "I wouldn't say I'm desperate (to win) because before every game you've got to have in mind that things might not go your way. "If you do have that attitude, you can relax and go about it the right way. "If you go into every game desperate and frantic and anxious about winning, then it is difficult to function. "I'm aware it might not go for us but it would be nice to think we are due a victory. "I'm sorry, as far as Blues fans are concerned, that I can't guarantee that. "But we will do everything in our power to make the Blues fans happy by the end of tonight." Former Villa midfielder Craig Gardner could return after missing two games with an ankle problem. But on-loan Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb is ruled out with a hamstring problem.
