Laursen wary of Russian trip

Aston Villa skipper Martin Lauren admits the prospect of a February trip to Russia is a daunting one after the club were drawn against CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Cup.

Villa have the possibility of an all-English clash against Tottenham if they get through the last-32 round.

Tottenham have equally testing opponents from eastern Europe – Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukraine – while Manchester City’s task appears more straightforward against Danish side FC Copenhagen.

CSKA won the competition in 2005 and Laursen admitted: “The first thought was ’It is not the best to have to travel to Russia at the end of February’.

“I’ve been told it is a plastic pitch but I am sure we will make the necessary preparations.

“But we have no need to fear anyone. We have a good chance to beat Moscow.”