Houllier's Villa side only had two shots on target against Manchester City

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier had no regrets about fielding a weakened starting XI, despite his side losing 3-0 at Manchester City in the FA Cup.

He made eight changes to the team, with Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton named as substitutes.

However, Houllier - referring to Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor - told BBC Radio 5 live: "We started with two England players up front.

"There were also internationals in midfield and defence."

Villa are five points above the Premier League relegation zone but Houllier was keen to stress that this Saturday's game against seventh-placed Bolton was not the reason behind his FA Cup team selection.

The Frenchman, whose side managed only two shots on target, added: "I have quality throughout the squad and believe everybody should play."

Villa were 1-0 down after only five minutes when Yaya Toure lashed the ball home and Houllier was adamant that not even his regular XI could have prevented the strike.

"The first goal was unfortunate because it deflected off one of our players [Ciaran Clark] before Toure fired in," stated Houllier.

"And I think our confidence was altered in the following few minutes after they had scored."

Mario Balotelli added a second goal in the first half before David Silva struck in the 70th minute.

Villa had 40% of the possession but only once forced a good save from City keeper Joe Hart, who did well to push away Emile Heskey's low shot in the first half.

Houllier said: "We had better quality in terms of passing and movement. I told the boys your don't have to be ashamed of the performance, you've done well."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini defended Houllier's decision to make eight changes.

"I can understand Gerard because it's difficult to play every three days," commented the Italian.

"They used eight fresh players. I don't have eight fresh players, I only have 14 players available in total."

Mancini's side may have dropped out of the title race but are in a strong position in both the Europa League and FA Cup.

City now face Reading at home in the Cup and will be favourites to beat the Championship side and reach the semi-finals but Mancini is wary of his side's next opponents.

"Reading have beaten West Brom and Everton, so it won't be easy," he added.

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