‘I’m not sure’ – Hourihane makes Aston Villa squad revelation
By Abigail Withey
Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has revealed that the squad is less than settled at the moment and believes that his team mates are fighting for their spot in the starting XI.
On Saturday against Nottingham Forest, Steve Bruce named an unchanged league side in the 4-4-2 formation which suggested that he had found his favoured team for the Championship.
The selected players secured a 2-1 win over Mark Warburton’s side at the weekend thanks to goals from Albert Adomah as well as Conor Hourihane.
Despite their improved run in the Championship, the 26-year-old Irish international insists that himself and his team mates are all working hard to secure their place in the line-up.
“I’m not sure we’d say we’re settled – obviously there’s a few lads injured or not in the squad at the minute as well,” the midfielder told the club’s official website.
“We’re all fighting for our place and being kept on our toes every day in training.
“Even though it may look settled – there’s plenty of lads fighting to stay in, and get in as well.”
Hourihane joined the club back in January from Barnsley and has settled in well, particularly this season as he has scored five goals in just nine appearances across all competitions.
The Irishman remained on the bench for the first match of the campaign against Hull City, but has since fought hard and proved to Steve Bruce that he is worthy of a spot in the team.
The former Barnsley skipper has just a few other players to compete with for the middle spot, and is up against the likes of Glenn Whelan, Henri Lansbury and now Under-23s central midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes.
Villa look ahead to their Tuesday night clash against Burton Albion as they hope to continue their successful run.
In other Aston Villa news, this 27-year-old has been named in the WhoScored Team of the Week over two key goal-scorers.
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