Evans insist Foxes must use semi-final heartbreak to fire themselves up for the rest of their careers, starting tonight

JONNY EVANS admits the pain of Leicester’s heartbreaking Carabao Cup semifinal exit against Aston Villa will never leave the Foxes.

But he has urged the team’s youngsters to use that harsh experience to fire them up for the rest of the season – and their entire careers.

Brendan Rodgers’ thirdplaced side tackle Villa tonight for the third time in 2020 following their twolegged semi-final.

Villa won 3-2 on aggregate thanks to a 2-1 victory in the return leg at home, courtesy of sub Trezeguet’s dramatic 90th-minute goal.

Referee Mike Dean blew the final whistle moments later as Villa went to Wembley and their fans invaded the pitch.

Former Manchester United defender Evans admits the memories (right) are still raw.

But he is determined Leicester focus on a successful campaign as they chase Champions League qualification via the top flight and FA Cup glory with a quarter-final against Chelsea.

Evans said: “As you get older in your career you think back to those moments. They don’t leave you.

“They might not be as hurtful but they are in the memory.

“You want to have more better nights than bad nights.

“To concede in the last minute is not nice. They’re certainly not nice feelings, especially in cup competitions – you’re out.

“But it’s important that after moments like that, which do hurt, you respond from it and show you’re stronger.

“They’re learning experiences for us – we’ve got a young team and a young squad, and you’ve got to deal with moments like that – bounce back and show character.

“When you lose games, it’s how you respond and how you react to it.

“We’ve got a big run-in to the end of the season and I think the boys will be up for it and ready for the challenge.” Leicester set up a last-eight FA Cup clash at home to Chelsea by beating Villa’s Championship neighbours Birmingham 1-0 last week.

Pep Clotet’s Blues were tough to break down in two banks of four, but Evans reckons it could be a good rehearsal for facing Villa, who are languishing in 19th place in the Premier League.

He added: “I think it may be similar to Birmingham in that they will sit in and also try to hit us on the break.

“So maybe the Birmingham game was a good test for us.

“It was difficult at times and hopefully we can take that performance into that game.

“It will give us confidence going into the Villa game.

“We know winning breeds confidence and we can take that confidence forward.

“We had a clean sheet and had so much of the ball and had dominance in the game – it was good.

“The last game we played against Villa here in the Carabao

Cup, they played five at the back and it was difficult to break them down.

“But our attacking play this season has been phenomenal.

“I think we have created a reputation where teams are now starting to sit in and make it really difficult for us.

“They are showing the boys a lot of respect.

“Teams have changed formation as well, like Aston Villa in the last couple of games we have played against them.

“It is a compliment to the boys and up to them because it is a different challenge we have to rise to and overcome.”

Victory over Birmingham was Leicester’s first win in six games in all competitions after a loss of form.

But Evans insists they are on course for success this season as they bid to impress in both the League and FA Cup.

He said: “It is important we have our own individual ambitions and as a team we all share the same. The manager, players and everyone involved with the football club wants to be successful.”