Aston Villa can move into the Championship’s top-six if they beat Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Dean Smith has claimed that John McGinn has ‘repaid’ him following Aston Villa’s 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
The 24-year-old, who started his first game since returning from suspension during the win against Birmingham, netted a brace at the City Ground.
Smith admitted that during McGinn’s suspension, Villa did ‘alright without him’ as they picked up a point at Stoke City and thumped Derby County 4-0.
Speaking to Sky Sports News (13/03/2019) at 10:35 pm, Smith hailed the qualities of his non-stop midfielder, who has arguably been his best performer this season.
“Really impressed [with McGinn’s performance],” Smith told Sky Sports News. “He’s collected a few bookings this season, so he had a two-match ban. We did alright without him, we drew at Stoke then beat Derby.
“It was a hard decision to leave him out in the last game against Birmingham. He has been the most consistent performer in a three-game week. I always had my eye on bringing him back today and he’s repaid me.”
When McGinn first walked through the doors of Bodymoor Heath last summer, he arrived with an unknown tag from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.
But despite having that unknown factor, he has proven to be one of Villa’s standout players in the middle of the park this season.
The Scotland international’s energetic style, ability to drive with the ball, protect the ball from the opposition and showcase his sweet left foot, has seen him become a firm fan favourite.
He will be hoping to take that form onto Saturday when Smith’s side host fourth-placed Middlesbrough. A win and Villa will move into the top-six.
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