Eddie Howe comments on whether Tyrone Mings’ form has been a surprise, talks imminent

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Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings has impressed since arriving from Bournemouth.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has told the Daily Echo that he isn’t surprised by Tyrone Mings’ form on loan at Aston Villa.

Villa needed defensive reinforcements in January, and swooped on deadline day to take Mings on loan until the end of the season.

Having played at left back for Ipswich Town, many thought he would play in that position for Villa too, but Dean Smith stuck him at centre back, where he’s often featured for Bournemouth.

So far, it’s been a masterstroke all round. Mings has been an absolute rock in the Villa defence, playing a key role in their sensational run to the Championship play-offs.

The 26-year-old will now be expected to make a big impact in the play-offs too, potentially helping Villa return to the Premier League after a three-year absence.

Still though, Mings is set to return to parent club Bournemouth in a matter of weeks, and whilst Villa would love to sign him permanently, that may depend on whether or not they return to the top flight.

Now, Cherries boss Howe has admitted that he will hold talks with Mings very shortly, in order to decide what the next step is for his future, but wants him to focus on Villa’s promotion bid for now.

Howe added that he isn’t surprised by Mings’ form, as he has shown quality at Bournemouth but just needed first-team football after serious injury problems.

“I will sit down with Tyrone at the end of the season and we will discuss the next step,” said Howe. “I have been in regular contact with him throughout his loan period. The most important thing now is he concentrates on Aston Villa and tries to help them get promotion and then we will see.”

“I don’t think it surprised me because from the times we have worked with Tyrone, a long period of time now away from match action, he has had serious injuries here, but he has always battled back and shown a great mentality to that. He has delivered a lot of quality in his performances and a lot of improvement in his performances with us, so there is no doubting the level of player,” he added.