Alex McLeish happy to avoid "banana skin"

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish was pleased to avoid a shock defeat after his side's 3-1 win at League Two Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup third round.

Goals from Marc Albrighton, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ciaran Clark sealed the win for the Premier League side.

Scott McGleish pulled a goal back for the hosts before his penalty was saved by Brad Guzan in injury time.

"It was a very pleasing performance and the players controlled it well," McLeish told ESPN.

"We knew it was a potential banana skin but the players handled it. I thought they had a great mentality. We got a wee bit sloppy and complacent at the end and got punished."

The West Midlands club host Everton in the Premier League next Saturday.