Scott Hogan has not managed to rediscover his Brentford form since his move to Aston Villa in January.
Aston Villa players celebrate a goal, scored by Scott Hogan (3rd R)
Unfortunately for Scott Hogan, he has so far been unable to replicate the form from his Brentford spell since his £12 million move to Aston Villa (via BBC Sport) back in the previous January transfer window.
Hogan, when fit, was fantastic for the Bees, scoring 21 times in 33 Championship fixtures – but has only scored once in the 17 league appearances that he has made for the Villans.
His three goals this term have all come in the League Cup. And while Steve Bruce will obviously rather he was scoring in that competition than not at all, he will be hoping that the 25-year-old soon starts to rediscover his Brentford form in the second tier.
But perhaps Hogan now has another motivating factor that may help inspire him to find his ruthless streak.
Having the chance to make the grade on the international stage must surely leave Hogan desperate to make a major impression over the coming weeks – and that desire to force his way into Martin O’Neill’s squad may perhaps help bring the best out of him for the first time since he joined Villa.
And if Ireland manage to bounce back from the disappointing international break just gone and manage to book themselves a ticket to Russia next summer, then there may be a World Cup squad to push for.
And Bruce will be hoping that the prospect of earning an international debut and perhaps booking a place at a World Cup will be exactly what Hogan needs to prove for Villa exactly why they decided to sign him from the Bees.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
