Gerrard tells Dan not to be desperate

STEVEN GERRARD has given Danny Ings a massive vote of confidence.

The Villa striker, who played a starring role against Norwich last week, said he was underwhelmed with his season.

But boss Gerrard (with Ings, above) told him not to be so self-critical and has assured the 29-year-old he still has big plans for him.

“He is his own biggest critic,” said Gerrard. “I certainly wouldn’t read too much into that. He certainly hasn’t been underwhelming for me. We love the kid – we love the player. He is very much part of our thoughts. When he is firing and his focus is on the game he is a big threat. He has proved it.

“From now until the end of the season we want his quality and goals to put us in a better place in this league table.”

Gerrard believes Ings has suffered from a disjointed campaign, explaining: “He’s said himself it has been a stop-start season.

“His missus gave birth and that was a big moment for him. He was waiting a while for that and maybe his focus was on that.

“He has also had to deal with a couple of niggly injuries this season.”

Villa can have a big say in Burnley’s Premier League fate – the two sides meet twice in 13 days.

The Midlands side have little to play for but Gerrard wants his men to finish as high as they can, adding: “We are not satisfied with where we are.”

The higher the position, the bigger the financial reward for clubs, but Gerrard insists that’s the last thing on his mind.

He said: “I am sure there are people at the club who have the calculator out but our focus has to be football and finishing in the best place we can.”