Villa boss is backing McGinn to find form

ASTON VILLA manager Dean Smith is confident that Scotland international midfielder John McGinn is gradually returning to his best form.

The former Hibernian star has struggled to recapture his early-season form following a fractured ankle, with Smith revealing he had also suffered a second injury that limited his training to less than a fortnight before football resumed.

‘John was going to be on the bench against Chelsea in the last game before lockdown but then started to feel his shin,’ said Smith. ‘We sent him for a scan and we found another stress fracture, which put him out for another six weeks.

‘It meant he didn’t train during lockdown until we came back to small-group training. He’s been playing catch-up and it has been very difficult.

‘I didn’t think he had his best 60 minutes against Manchester United but against Liverpool he played very well and I could see the old John McGinn back. He’s certainly getting there now.’

Villa face Crystal Palace today adrift in the bottom three and without a league win in 12 games dating back to January.

‘Some players who drop from the Premier League to the Championship never get to play Premier League again. History proves that,’ warned Smith.

‘The players are more than aware of that and the consequences; professionally, emotionally and financially are going to hit them as well.

‘Since we’ve come back from lockdown there’s no question that we have improved defensively. Our potency in front of goal has probably been what’s missing and our quality in the final third.’

Smith has pulled off great comebacks before. He helped Walsall escape relegation having been nine points adrift and led Villa to promotion last season despite being 10th in February.

Even so, keeping them in the top flight now would be a remarkable feat, particularly with key injuries and lack of backing from fans.

‘The difference is we have no fans to help us or sometimes boo us off if we haven’t played well,’ he said.

‘I’ve no doubts we would have got more points with Tom Heaton and Wesley Moraes fit. We wanted Tom because of his experience and personality.

‘Wesley was our main striker and was starting to get to the speed of the Premier League.’

One piece of good news is that assistant John Terry is unlikely to respond to any interest from Bristol City for him to become their new manager.

‘I can categorically say that John is not in for the Bristol City job,’ insisted Smith.

‘I’ve spoken to him and he’s very committed to what we are doing at Aston Villa.’