By Dan Harrison

Skipper Ciaran Clark has challenged Villa's second string to "go that extra yard" when they take on Sunderland in Thursday's Barclays Premier Reserve League play-off final.

After an impressive regular league season, which saw Kevin MacDonald's men crowned southern champions for the second season in a row, they will be desperate to make up for their play-off final defeat against Liverpool a year ago.

Clark admits Villa don't know too much about their opponents, but says it's imperative they concentrate on their own game.

He told AVTV: "Obviously we didn't get to lift the trophy last season as we lost to Liverpool at Anfield but hopefully we'll get a chance to do it on Thursday night.

"We've only lost two games and it's been a good season but we want to go that extra yard in the final.

"Nobody really knows much about them so we're just concentrating on our own performance. If we do that and play to the best of our ability I think we'll do alright."

Clark and his team-mates will also be hoping for a big crowd at Villa Park for Thursday's winner-takes-all encounter with the northern champions.

He added: "If there's a big crowd it'll be great but if not we'll still get on and try and do the business and win the trophy.

"It will make a difference with more noise, but once the game gets going we'll just get on with it."