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Ambitious Sam Johnstone believes in Aston Villa play-off surge

Aston Villa’s Sam Johnstone celebrates after their second goal (Reuters)
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The loanee goalkeeper believes his side can still make the top six.

Aston Villa's Sam JohnstoneAston Villa’s Sam Johnstone

Aston Villa had to improve several positions in January with the main one perhaps being in goal. The club have struggled with goalkeeping for some time now and Steve Bruce decided to make a move for Manchester United youngster Sam Johnstone, signing the England youth international on loan until the end of the season.

After some shaky performances he has settled in at Villa Park and is becoming a key player under Bruce’s management.

Aston Villa’s results have improved as a consequence and Johnstone remains hopeful that, maybe, Villa can sneak into the play-offs.

He is quoted by the official Aston Villa website as stating:

“Hopefully, we can carry this form into the last eight games and maybe just sneak into the play-off at the last minute.”

It is of course a long shot. Villa, who have win five of their last six games, are 11 points behind sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday with just eight games to go and 24 points left to play for.

Aston Villa's Sam Johnstone looks dejected as Nottingham Forest's Britt Assombalonga celebrates scoring his sides first goalAston Villa’s Sam Johnstone looks dejected as Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga celebrates scoring his sides first goal

Mathematically it is possible for Aston Villa to do it but the likelihood is the club will be hoping to go for automatic promotion next season.

Fans will hope that loanee Johnstone ends up sticking around.