VILLA LOSE SUPER MAC FOR THREE MONTHS

ASTON VILLA’S relegation fight has been hampered by an injury to star midfielder John Mcginn – who could be out for up to three months.

The 25-year-old Scotland player fractured his ankle early in the 3-1 home defeat against Southampton on Saturday.

Mcginn was taken to hospital for scans immediately after the shattering defeat to their rivals for the drop.

And he is now facing a race against time to get fit for Villa’s crucial end of season run-in – which could be bad news for Scotland manager Steve Clarke as well.

Mcginn looks unlikely to be back in time for his country’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Israel at Hampden Park on March 26.

And he tweeted: “Thanks everyone for all the messages and support. “Gutted, but will be back before you know it.”

The former Hibernian man has been a star performer for his country and has just been voted Scotland’s Player of the Year after seven goals this campaign.

Villa boss Dean Smith feared the worst (above) when Mcginn slid under Cedric Soares and thumped the turf in agony.

He left the pitch after treatment, but clearly could not put any weight on his left leg as he hobbled away.

Smith said: “John got ahead of their centre-half and he brings him down.

“We should get a free-kick, but we don’t.

“John gets frustrated and starts chasing the ball and unfortunately gets injured right in front of us in the dugout.”

It is a bitter blow for a Villa side reeling from a run of four successive Premier League defeats and seven losses in their last nine games.

PAINFUL