Pressure’s all on Villa says Monk

TYRONE MINGS has two permanent reminders why he can never take life as a pro footballer for granted.

A pair of five-inch scars around his left knee means the Aston Villa defender can laugh off any talk of hostility in today’s second-city derby.

The former non-leaguer, 25, graduated into the full-time game with Ipswich Town.

His star was on the rise when he was transferred into the Premier League, with Bournemouth paying £8m.

But a succession of injuries put Mings’ career on hold.

Then boss Dean Smith stepped in to take him to Aston Villa on loan.

He said: “I’m being honest when I say this – I’m looking forward to the hostility against Birmingham.

“In the past four years I’ve played 20 games. I’ve done my cruciate and my medial. I’ve had three operations on my knee, you can see there are two big scars.

“I’ve only played six matches since coming to Villa. I probably took success for granted in my first four years as a professional.

“I didn’t know failure in football. So to have a setback and then to be able to continue is an opportunity I don’t underestimate.

“That’s why I say I’m relishing this. Experiencing the environment and the hostility that comes with a big derby. I’m absolutely looking forward to it.”