Andrew Whing does not know whether to laugh or cry about Albion’s dream fourth round FA Cup trip to his beloved Aston Villa.

The Seagulls defender’s elation at the prospect of facing the club he has supported since a boy at Villa Park later this month has been tempered by fears he may not make the team.

Birmingham-born Whing has not played in the last eight matches after losing the right-back spot to on-loan Arsenal teenager Gavin Hoyte.

He admitted: “I have mixed emotions. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry to be honest, because I have not been playing.

“If I was a regular I think I would be running up and down with my Villa top on but because I haven’t been playing it’s whether I will be or not.

“Obviously I have got to get back in the team first but it’s an absolutely unbelievable draw. If I get to play it will be a dream come true and if not I think I’ll be watching in the Holte End!

“My dad (Barry) was from Aston and lived literally 200 yards from the ground when I was growing up, so I’ve been a season ticket holder in the Upper Holte with my old man since the age of five.

“I’ve been to about seven or eight games this season, especially when I was injured earlier on. I managed to get to quite a few of them.

“My dad was down the pub last night. I think all the Blues (Birmingham) fans were buying him drinks and all the Villa fans were giving him stick.

“It’s great for the whole family, my grandad, aunties and uncles, everyone. They are all claret and blue and most of them have season tickets.”

If he forces his way back into the side then Whing could be marking England winger Ashley Young over the weekend of January 23 and 24.

“I should know him inside out,” Whing joked. “I watch him every week and probably slag him off as well.

“Someone has already said to me I’ll be working harder to get back in the team but I found that a bit insulting. I worked hard anyway to get into the team to play Torquay. Just because I am a massive Villa fan doesn’t mean I will work even harder to play in that game.”