Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn was not selected to start against Birmingham City at the weekend.
Villa took on Birmingham City yesterday, with McGinn on the sidelines with injury.
The Scottish midfielder was desperate to feature for Villa, but Smith took the decision into his own hands.
“I’m hopeful that John will be back for Wednesday but I don’t know yet,” Smith said.
“He’s got a little bit of William Wallace about him and wanted to play today but I couldn’t risk losing him and him being out for another couple of games.”
McGinn’s absence was felt by Villa, but Smith’s side still came out victorious against their local rivals.
The claret and blues picked up a 4-2 victory over Birmingham, as they came from behind to secure the three points.
Smith selected Glenn Whelan to start in midfield with McGinn out, before Henri Lansbury came on as a second-half substitute.
Villa are next in action in midweek when they take on Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.
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