The Benin international is not a regular starter for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa take on Blackburn Rovers in the Championship this afternoon and will be looking to continue their unbeaten record under the guidance of new manager Steve Bruce.
The game at Villa Park will see Steve Bruce go up against Owen Coyle in the dugouts and the Blackburn boss has been speaking about their opponents this week.
Rudy Gestede of Aston Villa heads at goal
Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph the Blackburn boss spoke of how much money the club has spent this summer and the challenge that Blackburn face this afternoon:
“Aston Villa had a good squad of players last year and they added to it by spending £70m to £80m in the summer.
“They spent a lot of money on some very good players. Roberto Di Matteo will probably feel that if he was given the time that would have come around for them. As it was they’ve made a change and Steve Bruce has come in.
Blackburn Rovers manager Owen Coyle
“We’ll go out there, be really positive and try to win a tough game.”
He then went on to use former Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede, who scored 35 goals in 73 games for Blackburn, as an example of just how difficult a task Aston Villa will be:
“Having Rudy Gestede on the bench shows they’ve got some very good players and we’re very respectful of that.
“But Steve will know we’ve got some good players and will have seem how well we played last week, dominating against Wolves, and I think it’s going to make it a very good game.”
Aston Villa’s Rudy Gestede celebrates scoring their second goal
Gestede has had to watch from the bench most of the current campaign. Aston Villa signed both Jonathan Kodjia and Ross McCormack in the summer whilst Jordan Ayew remains at the club.
The fact that Gestede, a player who has experienced high levels of success in the Championship previously, cannot get a regular start for Villa does highlight just how strong the current Villa side is.
The Benin striker will no doubt hope to get a chance to score v his former club for Aston Villa later today.
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