Aston Villa won their first Championship game since Boxing Day on Saturday.
Aston Villa’s James Chester
Villa centre-back James Chester spoke to the club’s official website in the wake of his side’s 1-0 win over Derby County on Saturday, and highlighted the importance of Mile Jedinak returning to the first-team fold after his absence through injury.
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder returned to the frame last week against Newcastle following a five week spell on the sidelines, and the Villans look like a far more solid unit with him in the side.
Steve Bruce’s men can now breathe a little easier after Saturday’s win, with eight points separating them and 22nd placed Wigan Athletic.
And Chester spoke to AVFC.co.uk about the positive influence that Jedinak has had on the side since his return to action:
“We’ve all had long enough careers to have experienced runs like we’ve been on now. We know what we need to do to get out of this. I think Mile has been a big miss in the last couple of weeks. He helps me with communication with the lads on the pitch. It’s been nice to see him back.”
Aston Villa’s James Chester
The Villans now have a fantastic opportunity to gather some momentum with a home game against Bristol City tomorrow night, before an away trip to Rotherham United.
And if they could take six points from those outings, their season could begin to look very different all of a sudden.
And judging by Chester’s words, Mile Jedinak’s presence in the side will be imperative to their hopes of climbing the league table.
Derby County’s Tom Ince in action with Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak
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