DAVID O'Leary admits he has a soft spot for Burnley dating back 30 years!

The former Republic of Ireland defender was set on the road to a glittering 18-year playing career at Turf Moor as an Arsenal teenager.

And the Aston Villa boss, who went on play 558 league games, win two league championships, two FA Cups and earn 68 international caps, still recalls where it all started.

O'Leary, now 46, said: "I made my debut at Burnley for Arsenal in August 1975 and I haven't been back since. That's the amazing thing.

"Back then, they had players like Leighton James and Ray Hankin and they were a really good club.

"Bertie Mee gave me my debut and I remember in the dressing room afterwards he said 'someone wants to say well done to you' and my dad walked in.

"I didn't know he was there, but they had brought him over from Ireland and that was just typical of Arsenal."

The former Leeds United boss, now charged with bringing honours back to Villa Park, added: "We want to win tonight's game and we will be putting a strong side out because we haven't got anyone else to put out.

"We've got 16 players and four of those are kids. Thankfully we haven't got too many injuries, but a few can devastate a small squad and we've just got to get on with it."

Villa midfielder Nobby Solano added: "Burnley won't be easy because First and Second Division teams always make it difficult for you."