‘STEELY’ VILLA ON COURSE TO MAKE STEP-UP
CONOR Hourihane has hailed Aston Villa’s steely determination and believes the club is destined to make it back to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old Ireland midfielder has been a key cog in the Villa midfield this campaign and, as the business end of the season approaches, the club are in the play-off places and fighting for promotion.
Villa, of course, last played in the top tier of English football in the 201516 season, with Hourihane firmly of the belief the club can get back there imminently.
“We certainly need to finish the season strongly – especially if we have to go through the play-off route,” said Hourihane.
“There’s a steely determination in the camp – without any shadow of a doubt.
“It’s total focus, drive and commitment to finish the job this season.
“Everyone wants to play in the Premier League and this club has the stature of a Premier League club.
“I know that’s never a given and I know we’re not there right now, but we have the character and personality in the squad to take us there, in my opinion.
“Hopefully we will be there, however we do it.”
Hourihane, who came through Sunderland’s academy, captained Barnsley to beat Millwall in May 2016 to reach the Championship.
“I have experienced promotion before and, if you asked me about a magic formula, I think it’s togetherness in the group,” he added.
“Everyone needs to be heading in the right direction with the same goal – and that’s definitely the case here.
“You can’t have passengers and we don’t have any here. We work hard every day but we demand more every single day of each other. That pushes the bar up all the time. It’s a great group to be part of.”