Joe Cole: 'Aston Villa will rise to FA Cup challenge'

Joe Cole has claimed that Aston Villa will relish the challenge of facing Liverpool in their FA Cup semi-final clash on Sunday.

Liverpool head into the game as favourites to book their place in the final, but Cole believes that Tim Sherwood's side are ready for the unique tests which come with playing at Wembley.

"It is a special game so you've got to be clever, but it is nothing to be afraid of," the midfielder told Villa's website.

"These games are about being mentally prepared. It does sap your energy - it is not like a normal game because of the build-up and everything.

"The boys will relish it. I know they will."

Cole won the competition three times during his time at Chelsea.