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‘It hasn’t paid off’: Dublin says it’s not worked for Dean Smith signing at Aston Villa

Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
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Dion Dublin says it hasn’t worked out for Everton-linked Danny Ings since he joined Aston Villa and his partnership with Ollie Watkins. 

From Dean Smith to Steven Gerrard, both struggled to get the duo working at Villa Park, although, new boss Unai Emery is yet to play them together.

On Sunday, as League Two Stevenage shocked the world by knocking Villa out of the FA Cup, Ings started the game but failed to get on the scoresheet.

Danny Ings
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images

After coming off the bench and scoring the equalising goal against Wolves last Wednesday, he wasn’t able to muster anything against the lower-league outfit. 

In truth, from his perspective, he wasn’t exactly provided with chance after chance, as Villa produced an abject and embarrassing performance in front of their own supporters.

Nonetheless, whilst on commentary duty, former Villa man Dion Dublin was asked about Ings and his future, amid transfer links away from the club this month, as he told BBC Sport. 

“I just wonder why those two up top haven’t clicked,” said Dublin. “They are both very good players. You would think ‘surely that would work’, with Danny’s know-how and Ollie’s endeavour and speed. 

“It seems like the perfect combination, but it hasn’t paid off yet.”

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images

VILLA SHOULD KEEP INGS THIS MONTH

Frank Lampard’s Everton have knocked on Villa’s door to ask about Ings, but it seems as though, those in the Midlands, have batted-away any advances.

Come the summer, it might be the end of the road for Ings, who was one of three signings – Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia – used with the Jack Grealish money.

The 30-year-old was brought in for the here and now, but last season, he was only able to muster seven goals from 30 Premier League games.

He has faired better this season, despite the weekend humiliation, with six goals from 17, and in truth, many of them aren’t starts, so he should stay for now.