‘Even when they're sleeping!’ - Marcus Rashford and Aston Villa sent party warning and set strict rules by boss Unai Emery ahead of crucial run of fixtures

Emery's men are approaching a crucial run of fixtures as they bid to land silverware this season. Villa are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the semi-finals of the FA Cup and sit in ninth place in the Premier League but just four points off fourth place after 29 games played.

The Aston Villa manager has demanded full focus from his players ahead of what looks set to be a crucial month for the club. Emery says his players can't afford any distractions and must be completely committed to the team's cause between now and the end of the season.

He told reporters: "Even when they are sleeping they have to sleep thinking football and wake-up thinking football. Now is the moment because really, it is our responsibility to try and be as good as possible for 90 minutes on the field. To get this is to rest good, good food, prepare for the match mentally and physically and arrive as strong as possible. When they are coming here, after resting, then try to focus on our work. For example, if they are not here and they are going to a party or going to travel to London, they are not focusing on football. When we are being competitive with the players we have, when the players can suit some injured players, one when the players can choose - and other players maybe paying out of matches they are getting tired because we watch it.”

Aston Villa take on Brighton next in the Premier League and then face high-flying Nottingham Forest on Saturday. After that, it's a trip to France for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with PSG.