Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan has returned to pre-season training early.

Aston Villa are back in pre-season training as they gear up for their return to the Premier League – and there was a surprise face involved.
Dean Smith will be hoping to get his side in tip-top shape ahead of the new campaign, and added new faces Matt Targett, Jota and Wesley to his side.
On Wednesday, Villa returned to first-team training to kick start their pre-season preparations, with the usual faces involved, as you’d expect.
However, striker Scott Hogan was spotted in training, as noted by the Birmingham Mail, which left many surprised given that he had extra time off having been on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Hogan, 27, as endured a dismal time at Villa Park since joining from Brentford in January 2017, and even appointing his former Bees manager Dean Smith didn’t help.
Hogan was sent off on loan to Sheffield United in January, scoring twice in eight games before returning to Villa, where he is expected to have little future.

Fans have been reacting on Twitter to seeing Hogan in training in a surprise early return, with some praising his effort and commitment as ‘awesome’ even if things aren’t going well for him.
Others were a little more cynical, believing that he’s only back early to get himself fit for another Championship club, even suggesting to sell him or send him to West Bromwich Albion to get him off the books.

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