Carla Ward admits last weekend's FA Cup defeat to Everton was "very concerning" but is confident there will be a positive reaction when Aston Villa return to Women's Super League action at Leicester on Friday. 

Villa crashed out of the fourth round at home as the Toffees picked up a 3-0 win. 

Ahead of her side's first WSL fixture since the winter break, Ward, 40, said: "[It was] very concerning. I think we've addressed it. 

"The girls will be ready to get out there on Friday [at the Pirelli Stadium] and make sure they deliver for the fans. 

"I think if I'm honest, we felt that was possibly one of our worst performances as a group, so it hurt, it was anger. There was a lot of honest conversations. 

"They're an experienced group, a good group of people and good people usually want to get things right. That's why I believe we'll get a reaction."

Villa are ninth in the WSL, a point and a place behind Leicester, who beat third-tier Derby 4-0 in the FA Cup but are winless in eight league games. 

Foxes boss Willie Kirk, 45, said: "We're probably operating at about 60%, 65% of our potential. 

"I think you'll see improvements in the second half of the season. 

"We've been in a leading position seven times in 10 matches, which shows something good is happening. 

"It's just around managing those moments and making sure we start accumulating three points instead of single points and draws instead of losses."