'It's not about fireworks' - Star man explains what will get Villa Park 'rocking again' for crucial double-header

Unai Emery’s men host Lille in a Europa League last-16 second leg tie on Thursday night, before welcoming West Ham on Sunday in the Premier League.

Wins in both matches would see Villa through to a European quarter-final and ensure they enter the international break in the Premier League’s top four.

But their home form, imperious for much of Emery’s reign, has been poor of late, with defeats in four of the last seven matches in all competitions.

McGinn says it is down to the players to fix it. 

He said: “In previous years, when we’ve been successful and finished in positions higher than expected, one of the reasons for that is due to the fact that we’ve made Villa Park such a hard place to come to.

“We have to make sure teams come to Villa Park and know they’ve been in a game.

“For the next two games, we are at home and have the chance to get the place rocking again.

“But not by singing before the game or fireworks, anything like that.

“It’s about getting stuck in, putting your foot through the ball when you need to - and getting the crowd going with personality, ability and character.

“This is the time to show character, it’s easy when the team’s playing well - now this is the time to see real players who can get the place going.”

Villa have won just two of their last nine matches in all competitions but have the chance to take another step toward ending the club’s 30-year trophy drought by beating Lille.

McGinn says the team must meet recent criticism of their performances head-on.

He said: “It’s a demanding club to play for. When you set standards, you are expected to meet them again. 

“When you fall short of that, you get criticism, which is part of playing for a big club. 

“I come under criticism when I don't play well. You either crumble and go under, or puff your chest out to prove doubters wrong, or to prove to yourself that it’s not a one-off season or that you are a one-season wonder. 

“We have been going through spells of not playing well since the manager has been here but we have come out of them stronger. 

“We have to remind ourselves what has got us there - staying humble and working hard, listening to what our manager says. 

“I enjoy the pressure and expectation - it is up to us to deliver at the end of the season.”