Colchester United left-back Lewis Kinsella says he could hardly believe it when they were drawn against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup – and admits he would love the chance to take on his old club tonight.

Kinsella was at Villa for five years before leaving them last summer and is desperate to play a part in the U’s first-round tie at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, which will be screened live on Sky Sports (kick-off 7.45pm).

The 22-year-old left Villa Park without making a senior appearance for the Championship club, despite knocking on the door of the first team during his later years at the Midlands outfit.

And having appeared as a half-time substitute in Colchester’s 3-1 defeat at Accrington Stanley in League Two last weekend, the former Villa youngster says he is hoping to be involved against his old employers.

Kinsella told the Daily Gazette: “I would obviously love to be involved in some part and it’s going to be a big occasion for us.

“It’s unbelievable really how things work out in football and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Villa are a massive club and I’m sure it’ll be a big crowd.

“I couldn’t believe it when we got drawn against them and I’m really looking forward to it.

“The boys always wind me up about Villa and say “let it go!” so I guess it had to happen!

“When the draw was made my contract wasn’t quite signed and I got messages from the boys saying “I bet you’re going to sign your contract now aren’t you!”

“I still know a few of the boys who are there, people like Jack Grealish.”

Kinsella is confident Colchester can challenge for promotion this season, despite their disappointing display at Accrington.

“We have a really good, strong close-knit squad,” said the former Luton Town loanee, who signed a new one-year deal with the U’s last month.

“We’re hoping that we keep a few more clean sheets, score a few more goals and get into the play-offs or even better, automatic promotion.

“The manager has gone on record saying that the players coming back from injury will be like new signings and it will be good to have a season without the kind of injury problems we had, last time.”