Aston Villa came away from St Andrew’s with a 0-0 draw with Birmingham City in their Championship clash at the weekend.
James Chester has told Aston Villa’s official website that he felt that he did not need to head the ball for about six months last season due to the presence of Mile Jedinak, and suggested that the Australian changed the game when he came on during the weekend’s Second City derby.
Jedinak has undoubtedly been an astute addition to the Villans squad since his arrival from Crystal Palace last summer, playing well in holding midfield and at centre-back last season.
His season so far has been plagued by injury, but he made his first appearance for well over a month at the weekend as he came on for the final half-hour of Villa’s Championship clash with Birmingham at St Andrew’s.
And Chester was full of praise for the 33-year-old’s performance against the Blues, insisting that his introduction proved to be a catalyst in a change of the momentum in the stalemate.
“Mile is perfect for us in front of the back four,” he told the club’s official website. “I always tell him that last season I didn’t have to head the ball for about six months. When he plays in front he is great for me.
“At St Andrew’s, with the way the game was going when he came on against Blues, I felt he turned it back around in our favour.
Given Jedinak’s experience and versatility, it would undoubtedly provide a major boost to the Villa squad if he is able to enjoy a prolonged spell in Steve Bruce’s side where he is injury-free.
Villa have made an extremely bright start to the season, and adding Jedinak to their ranks could prove to be a real difference-maker for the Villans as they look to capitalise on their current momentum.
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