Conor Hourihane has not hit the heights since arriving at Aston Villa in January.
Conor Hourihane of Aston Villa is shown a yellow card by referee David Coote
Conor Hourihane’s arrival at Aston Villa during the January window appeared to be a potential game-changing signing for Steve Bruce’s men. But things have not exactly gone to plan for the 26-year-old since joining from Barnsley.
With the Tykes Hourihane established himself as one of the Championship’s most creative players, contributing six goals and 11 assists in the league to help put Paul Heckingbottom’s men in the play-off discussion.
However, four appearances into his time with the Villans, he is still awaiting his first goal or assist, and has been on the losing side every time he has taken to the pitch.
Nevertheless, the Irishman is showing glimpses of how influential he can be for Bruce’s men, so perhaps the issue is not with his form, but rather those selected to play around him.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
One player who is yet to feature since Hourihane’s arrival is Mile Jedinak. The Australian has also not made the greatest impact since arriving, but he may arguably be the ideal person to partner his new teammate in the middle of the park.
Hourihane was arguably so important to Barnsley’s performances because he had Josh Scowen alongside him doing much of the dirty work, getting stuck in and winning the ball back before giving it to Hourihane to distribute so effectively.
Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak
A Scowen-like player has not been in the side since Hourihane moved to Villa Park. But could that be about to change on Monday night when Villa face Newcastle United?
According to the Birmingham Mail, Jedinak could be in contention to return after several weeks out due to a groin injury, and that could be exactly what Hourihane needs as the former Crystal Palace man could take on the role of breaking up the play, which should allow Hourihane to start showing exactly why Villa were so keen to sign him in January.
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