Nigel Adkins admits it’s likely Tommy Elphick will return to Aston Villa

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Aston Villa have loaned out Tommy Elphick to Hull City, but Dean Smith reportedly wants him back.

Hull City manager Nigel Adkins has admitted to the Hull Daily Mail that it is a strong possibility that Tommy Elphick will be back at Aston Villa in January.

Steve Bruce loaned out Elphick to Hull at the start of the season, and he was expected to spend a full year with the Tigers.

However, Dean Smith has been frustrated with a lack of options in defence since arriving at Villa, and he has taken note of Elphick’s form.

The centre-back has performed well for Hull, and Smith is now thought to be recalling the experienced defender next month.

“From my point of view he’s done great for us and his form has probably alerted Aston Villa to the situation because he was out of there,” Adkins said.

“Now, all of a sudden, there’s a player in form in the Championship that they might have to recall.

“We’re not saying that is going to happen but there’s a strong possibility it could happen. If it does, we’ll just have to address it.”

Bruce always showed a reluctance to pick Elphick, but letting him go was an error for Villa.

The claret and blues have been left badly short at the back in recent weeks, with injuries mounting.

Axel Tuanzebe is set to be out for weeks, which has left Smith having to pick players out of position at centre-back for Villa.

Villa did actually keep a clean sheet in their last match, which they won 1-0 against Swansea City yesterday.