Emery hails turnaround from Bailey

LEON BAILEY is drinking in the success of his turnaround at Aston Villa after suffering the ultimate humiliation at Anfield.

The Jamaica forward is on the verge of signing a new, long-term deal after being hauled off in the 3-0 defeat by Liverpool five months ago.

Bailey, below, was introduced as a substitute for Diego Carlos after 20 minutes, only to be replaced midway through the second half.

That disappointment sparked a pep talk with manager Unai Emery that has resulted in an upturn in form.

Ahead of the FA Cup fourthround replay against Chelsea tonight, manager Emery said: “Leon came from Germany and in the first year here he wasn’t consistent and had injuries.

“I tried to use him as a second striker, taking in his best characteristics and he was still adapting to that.

“His reaction after the match at Liverpool was fantastic.

“He went into the break with his national team and I thought every day afterwards about this change.

“I wasn’t trying to punish him or make him feel bad. It was tactical but he could have thought it was hard.

“I explained it to him, ‘I need more from you, you need to be consistent and focus more – it isn’t enough’.

“His commitment and focus have improved. He’s giving us his skills, scoring goals, assists and he is improving.”

Despite the criticism directed at Chelsea after their 4-2 defeat by Wolves on Sunday, Emery is expecting a reaction.

He said the Blues have improved since September – when Villa won at Stamford Bridge – and admitted he was pleased to have another bite of the cherry following the first tie.

“I’m expecting a good Chelsea,” added Emery.

He also confirmed that Ezri Konsa could be out for up to four weeks with a knee injury.