Ross will get back to his best – Smith
VILLA chief Dean Smith has leapt to the defence of Ross Barkley following a run of indifferent form.
The Chelsea loanee has started seven games on the spin since returning from 60 days out injured but came under scrutiny following a below-par display at Brighton at the weekend.
Barkley scored the winner at Southampton two weeks ago but, since then, has failed to produce a positive performance with Smith taking him off for new signing Morgan Sanson twice and youngster Jacob Ramsey.
The 27-year-old has just one assist to his name and Smith said: “It’s been a really difficult time for Roscoe because he got injured against Brighton earlier in the season and missed eight weeks with his injury.
“When he was due to come back we had a Covid outbreak at the training ground and he was the only fit person available to train.
“Unfortunately, we’ve gone straight into six games in 18 days and zero days’ training, because we were just recovering, so it’s been a really tough time for him to get the training minutes to get his sharpness.”
Smith added: “It’s one of them (against Brighton) where I could have taken any one of the outfielders off. I just thought the last 15 minutes it might be right to get Morgan on. He’ll be back to his best, I’m sure of it.”
Barkley arrived at Villa Park in October with one thing on his mind: to force his way into the England set-up for this summer’s European Championships.
“I want to get as many goals and assists as I can,” he said. “Then, the goal is to reach the Euros.”
Smith has since challenged his playmaker to come to the fore now for the sake of his England hopes, given the fierce competition in his position for Gareth Southgate.
“International managers are starting to look at the form in the second half of the season,” he said. “There is a great opportunity for anyone to work their way into the plans. I have been impressed with Ross’ attitude since he has come in, his professionalism. He is a top player and what he has to do now is to do that, week in, week out.”