‘I’d like him to stay’: Dean Smith admits he doesn’t want Aston Villa 29-year-old to leave

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Dean Smith has told Sky Sports News (19/01/21 at 2:05 pm) that he wants Conor Hourihane to ‘stay’ at Aston Villa.

It seems as though Hourihane is heading for the Villa Park exit door on a temporary basis this month and Smith has shared that he is ‘never happy when he not playing games’ hence his decision to leave.

The 29-year-old has been an unlucky figure at Villa this season because he hasn’t done anything wrong to just play four Premier League games other than being behind a thriving midfield.

Smith shared his thoughts on Hourihane and his future, as it seems he will be heading to Swansea City in the Championship.

“Personally, I would like Conor to stay,” said Smith. “But Conor has been to see me a few times and intimated that he wants to play football games, which is one of the reasons why I love Conor so much.

“He’s never happy when he’s not playing games. And he’s intimated to me that he wants to go out and play games.”

Sky Sports are reporting that Hourihane is set to join Championship promotion hopefuls Swansea on-loan until the end of the campaign.

It’s a smart move for the Republic of Ireland international because the Welsh side’s possession-based game will suit his style.

Plus, with the Swans pushing for a return to the Premier League, Hourihane knows all about getting over that gruelling line and reaching the promised land.