Roberto Martinez: FA Cup is No1 in the world

Martinez, though, believes that the Cup must be preserved. He said: “The FA Cup is unique. There are cup competitions across the world but there is nothing like what we have in this country. The Cup brings tradition and is quite unique with it’s unpredictability and the fact that anyone is entitled to chase the dream. We are going to give it everything we’ve got.”

Villa’s 1-0 win over bottom club Sunderland on Wednesday has lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone and, given their struggles this season, Martinez understands why Lambert has his view.

“Every manager knows what they have got and the numbers they have,” said the Everton chief. “We have got a group of 21-22 players and I know that anyone of them is ready to represent us and that excites me.

“But if you have 11 players and you need to be trying to push yourself in the cups and try to be as good as you can in the League then I can understand that every manager needs to assess that and make that decision.”

Martinez insisted he would play a strong side but would make changes to his team after a run of five games in 14 days.