West Ham will have to replay the Worthington Cup quarter final against Aston Villa after fielding an ineligible player in the match last Wednesday.

Emmanuel Omoyimni came on as a substitute in the final eight minutes of extra time at Upton Park.

But the Nigerian-born striker was cup-tied, having played for Gillingham in both legs of their second round tie with Bolton.

The Hammers went on to win on penalties after the match was drawn 2-2.

Villa lodged a protest about Omoyimni's appearance, which was upheld by the Football League on Saturday night.

The tie will now be replayed in the week commencing 10 January.

Villa relieved

Villa manager John Gregory welcomed his side's reprieve.

"We are pleased to have another crack after getting a double kick in the teeth in the first match - with the last-minute West Ham penalty and then losing the shoot-out," he said.

Villa skipper Gareth Southgate, who missed the crucial penalty at Upton Park, said: "I think the replay is the fairest outcome. We are delighted to get a reprieve."

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, West Ham manager, Harry Redknapp, said he thought the club had been harshly treated.

"I don't think the luck has gone with us," he said.

"It's gone completely against us - the luck has gone with Villa, surely.

"They got beat on the night and we're on the coach going home thinking they were out of the Worthington Cup. How could the luck be with us?"

Hammers skipper Steve Lomas, however, thought the Hammers could have no complaints over the decision to replay the tie.

"I thought we might just get a heavy fine but it was a mistake by the club and rules are rules.

"It could have been much worse - we could have been chucked out, though that would have been heartbreaking.

But we are very disappointed after all the hard work we put in. The players feel very aggrieved and the club should have checked a bit better.

"Manny should have said something but the club should have shown some responsibility. The club has to stand up and say sorry.

"We still fancy our chances of beating Villa again, though, and the boys will be up for it.