Aston Villa striker Benito Carbone produced a hat-trick of memorable quality and Latin flair to power his side into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Carbone had begun the day questioning whether he had a future at Villa Park after receiving no new contract offer from the midlands club - and hinting he might look to Italy and Spain next season.

But the Italian showed the kind of form which on his day makes him one of the most exciting talents in the Premiership to ensure Villa stayed on course for a domestic cup double.

The Worthington Cup semi-finalists were twice in arrears and in the opening 45 minutes were distinctly second best to a Leeds side brimming with purpose and confidence.

John Gregory's side could hardly raise a shot in anger during that period as Leeds bossed the midfield area, looked dangerous on the break and snuffed out any threat posed by Villa.

It was a remarkable turnaround after the break as, aside from a late flurry, they camped in the Leeds half and forced David O'Leary's side to defend desperately.

But they had no answer to the brilliance of Carbone who on this sort of form should be signed up for life by Gregory.

It is a all question of whether he can reproduce this kind of form week in and week out in the Premiership.

His only other goal for Villa since his October move from Sheffield Wednesday before this game had been against Darlington - also in the FA Cup.

Leeds must be wondering how they lost this game after their first half dominance and how they must be sick of the sight of Villa, who won 2-1 at Elland Road in the league last month.

The opening phase was fast and furious with Leeds in the ascendancy and the first cohesive move of the game produced the opening goal for Ian Harte after 13 minutes.

Stephen McPhail floated in an inswinging corner which Eirik Bakke headed downwards and the ball went via Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu to Ian Harte on the edge of the penalty area.

The Republic of Ireland defender did not hesitate as he instinctively let fly with a first-time effort which flew past Villa keeper David James into the left-hand corner of the net.

Villa, who were struggling to make any impression when going forward and Carbone's frustration got the better of him when he was yellow-carded for a high and late challenge on Bakke.

The visitors had control in the centre of the park with Lee Bowyer, who had been suspended for the league game between the clubs at Elland Road, an influential figure.

It was nearly half an hour before Leeds keeper Nigel Martyn had a save of any kind to make - and then it was easy meat for the England player to hold onto a 25-yard effort from Steve Stone.

But totally out of the blue Villa got back on level terms in the 32nd minute via Carbone.

Alan Wright sent in the left-wing free-kick, Steve Watson got up well to head back across goal and Carbone reacted instinctively to volley low and hard past Martyn into the corner of the net.

Carbone then carved out a golden chance for Julian Joachim with an inch-perfect chip which left his striker partner with the goal at his mercy six yards out.

But he somehow managed to screw his shot back across goal - and this was to prove so costly as Leeds regained the lead in the 38th minute.

McPhail played a one-two with Harte before delivering a splendid left-wing cross and Bakke reacted first to get in front of Wright and send his header past James.

Villa, who brought on Mark Delaney for fellow wing-back Watson at half-time, finally showed more urgency in the second period and pushed more bodies forward.

They began to get behind the back of the Leeds defence - but the equaliser when it arrived came courtesy of an astonishing piece of individual foresight and finishing from Carbone in the 58th minute.

He received the ball a full 40 yards from goal and, after spotting Martyn off his line, arrowed a swinging, dipping effort into the corner of the net as Martyn tried to get back in vain.

Leeds were now penned back in their own half and after 69 minutes Villa went in front as Carbone completed his hat-trick.

The creator was Paul Merson who pulled out two great flicks before heading the ball back across goal - and Carbone did the rest with his close-range header.

Carbone pulled his shirt off and went wheeling away in delight to celebrate in front of the Holte End.

But it was the last action of the game for both Merson and Michael Duberry as the pair clashed heads and had to be substituted, Merson with blood gushing from his face.

Leeds staged a late rally and referee Graham Barber added on five minutes injury time but Villa were not seriously troubled as they extended their unbeaten run to ll matches.

Teams

Aston Villa: James, Ehiogu, Southgate, Barry, Watson (Delaney 45), Stone, Boateng, Merson (Hendrie 72), Wright, Joachim, Carbone.

Subs Not Used: Thompson, Walker, Cutler.

Booked: Carbone, Watson.

Goals: Carbone 32, 58, 69.

Leeds: Martyn, Kelly, Duberry (Mills 70), Woodgate, Harte, Bowyer, Bakke (Huckerby 84), McPhail, Wilcox,Bridges (Smith 70), Kewell.

Subs Not Used: Jones, Robinson.

Booked: Bowyer, Wilcox.

Goals: Harte 13, Bakke 38.

Att: 30,026

Ref: G Barber (Tring, Herts).