By Dan Harrison

Carlos Cuellar believes the Europa League is growing in prestige - and he is keen for Villa to experience more titanic continental showdowns.

The Spanish defender embarked on an epic run to the final with Rangers three years ago, when the tournament was under its previous guise as the UEFA Cup.

It gave Cuellar a taste of major European encounters and is something he now reflects on as "one of the best experiences of my life".

The Glasgow outfit overcame big-name sides such as Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina en route to the final, before losing to Russians Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium.

This season's tournament promises to be equally challenging with the likes of holders Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Sevilla, Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund involved, as well as number of teams dropping down from the Champions League.

Cuellar, who also reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals with Osasuna in 2007, is desperate to overcome Rapid Vienna in tonight's play-off second leg to set up further duels with the continent's elite.

He has already experienced some epic European nights at Villa Park, against Ajax and CSKA Moscow two years ago.

"With Rangers we were in the final," said the 29-year-old. "The atmosphere and the experience was one of the best experiences in my life.

"I think we have two or three players who have been in the same position - Stiliyan Petrov and Habib Beye for example - and everybody wants to repeat it.

"The feeling is so good when you have to go to play in Europe in other countries with other big teams. We want to do that."

Cuellar admits Villa will be out to erase the bitter sense of disappointment felt after last season's exit to Vienna at the same stage.

The claret and blues were eliminated on away goals despite winning 2-1 at Villa Park.

However, a brave display from a youthful Villa line-up in the Austrian capital last week means Kevin MacDonald's team are in a much stronger position this time around.

Barry Bannan's early strike in the 1-1 draw gave Villa a potentially crucial away goal.

"It was very disappointing because we had expectations about getting through," Cuellar said.

"We wanted to go to play in Europe. Now we have another opportunity to play in Europe, to play in other countries against the best clubs. It is a good chance for the young boys as well.

"We all want to go through because you have the opportunity to play in another country, to play against another good team from another country.

"I think everybody enjoys it when you have big teams, such as Ajax a few years ago who are another big club."

Cuellar is yet to feature in 2010-11 after sustaining a hamstring injury during pre-season.

But he successfully came through a behind-closed-doors practice match at Bodymoor Heath on Monday and is hoping to be in contention for the Vienna clash.

"I feel fit and I feel fine," he added. "I have been working hard for the last two-and--half weeks to try and get fit and now maybe [against Vienna] I will be playing."

Cheer on the lads in the second leg - click here for tickets.