They confirmed their place in the quarter-finals of this season’s competition with a hard-fought victory against Nuno Espirito Santo’s team.

After an opening half-hour which saw both sides cancel each other out, Villa took the lead when Anwar El Ghazi’s shot was too good for John Ruddy in the Wolves goal.

Smith’s side, which showed nine changes to the team that lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, were pegged back in the 54th minute though when Patrick Cutrone turned home a cross from Wolves teenager Taylor Perry.

However, the visitors were only on level terms for three minutes as Villa’s captain for the night, Elmohamady, put the home team ahead for a second time with a near-post flick that went through Ruddy’s legs.

Villa keeper Jed Steer had to make a fine save to stop Cutrone from grabbing another equaliser for a Wolves team that showed 11 changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.

However, Smith’s side held on to their narrow lead and will now turn their focus to Saturday’s clash against table-topping Liverpool at Villa Park.