Mark Cooper says Barrow AFC’s dream Carabao Cup draw against Premier League stars Aston Villa must be an incentive for his players.

The Bluebirds will host Dean Smith’s top-flight side in what promises to be a huge second-round occasion at Holker Street.

It was Barrow’s reward for Tuesday’s victory over Scunthorpe.

And Cooper said players must now use the forthcoming league fixtures to prove they deserve a place in the side to take on Villa.

“It’s a brilliant draw for us – for the club financially first and foremost,” Cooper said.

“It gives the players something to look forward to, and gives me a carrot, or a little bit of a stick to hit them with, to say that if you want to play in that game, there’s some games before then that you’ve got to play well in.”

The second round visit of the Villans will be played in the week starting August 23, with details yet to be confirmed.

It could bring top-flight stars like Ollie Watkins, Tyrone Mings, Ashley Young, Emiliano Martinez, Bertrand Traore, Danny Ings and John McGinn to AFC’s ground.

The tie is Barrow’s prize for their 1-0 midweek victory which handed Cooper his first win at the Bluebirds helm.

While Cooper’s squad are preparing for their first home league game of the season against Hartlepool tomorrow, the AFC boss was satisfied with the hard-working display which was capped by ex-Villa striker Dimitri Sea’s spectacular overhead winner.

“It was an ok performance – a lot of good stuff in it, but loads for us to get better at,” the Barrow manager said.

“We looked defensively pretty sound. I never really felt in too much trouble until we had 10 men at the end, but managed to grind that out.”

Cooper will consider a place in the squad tomorrow for his latest signing George Williams.

He also revealed the Bluebirds had pipped one of their League Two rivals to his signature, and believes the ex-Forest Green player can add something different to his attack.

“He’s a bit different to what we’ve got,” Cooper told The Mail. “He’s been unlucky with injury, but he’s a Welsh international, and was very highly thought of at a young age.

“He can run past people like they’re not there, he can score ridiculous goals, and he’s a very creative player. If we can keep him free of injuries he’ll be really good for us.

“He’s done pre-season – he trained for two weeks at Stevenage, but we managed to pinch him before they did the deal – so he’s ready to go.”