Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has admitted to the Birmingham Mail that Ahmed Elmohamady was not a fan of his recent team selections.
Elmohamady had not started for Villa for six matches, but was drafted into Smith’s side for their outing against Crystal Palace yesterday.
Elmohamady managed to impress during the contest, as Villa picked up a vital 2-0 win.
And Smith admits that the Egyptian was keen to prove a point, after his recent omissions.
“Elmohamady came in late for Hause after he felt his groin go in the warm-up. Elmo showed his class and experience,” Smith said.
“I like the fact he has a point to prove because he hasn’t been happy he’s not playing. I like how he’s came in and proved a point playing against Zaha, especially.”
It now remains to be seen if Smith will keep the faith in Elmohamady, as Villa’s season reaches crunch time.
The claret and blues’ win yesterday has pushed them to within four points of safety, with just three games to play.
Villa are likely to need at least two wins from their final games, if they are to stand any chance of surviving.
Smith’s side take on an out-of-sorts Everton next, before they face games against Arsenal and Wes Ham United.
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