CLARKE CARLISLE admitted he was "very surprised" to be selected ahead of Dan Shittu for the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.

Carlisle had just one first-team appearance with the Hornets under his belt before Saturday after being out for almost a year with a torn thigh muscle.

But manager Aidy Boothroyd clearly felt the former Queens Park Rangers defender was better equipped to deal with United's in-form strike-force and opted to leave Shittu, his record signing, out of the side altogether.

"I was very surprised," said the defender. "I played talk of playing in the semi-final down because I couldn't see that happening as I had been out for so long. But the manager has shown a whole heap of faith in me and I just hope I've rewarded him."

Carlisle justified his manager's faith, producing a colossal display at the heart of the defence alongside the equally impressive Jay DeMerit.

"You are talking about playing against a forward line that is probably the best in Europe at the minute," remarked Carlisle. "I played with Alan Smith for the England Under-21's and I thought I gave him a good run for his money.

"We gave it all we had but unfortunately it wasn't enough. We could have crumbled after we went one behind but we didn't - there is a great resilience in our dressing room. We are proud of each and every one of ourselves."

He added: "It's very disappointing, mainly because we had them on the ropes at set pieces just after half-time.

"Rio had gone off and they were very limited in the air. The third goal was therefore a bit of a killer and it knocked the wind out of our sails. We still played the Watford way and never gave up. It was a day to be cherished and a day to be enjoyed."