Steve Bruce challenges £12m man Scott Hogan to help lift Aston Villa
Steve Bruce has challenged £12million striker Scott Hogan to finally ignite his Villa career.
The 25-year-old is in the frame to feature for over the busy festive period after recovering from bowel surgery.
Hogan has netted just once in 28 Championship appearances since joining Villa in a big money move from Brentford 11 months ago.
But Bruce is hoping he can now help a Villa attack still feeling the loss of star man Jonathan Kodjia to injury.
“It’s been a tough time for Scott, but can he now be the one that gives us the lift that everyone’s looking for?” said Bruce.
“I keep saying it but you are only as good as your strikers. We brought him to the club this time last year so let’s hope this is his time.”
Villa swooped to sign Hogan after he blasted 15 goals for Brentford in the first-half of last season.
But his time in claret and blue has, to date, been hampered by injury and inconsistent form.
Hogan underwent minor surgery to clear a bowel blockage while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland last month.
“He’s been struck down with all sorts,” said Bruce. “Just when he’s got going, he turned his ankle over at Newcastle and a couple of times at Villa Park.”
The manager also believes Hogan has struggled to adapt to the increased pressure which comes with playing for Villa.
“I think it’s hard, no disrespect to Brentford, Barnsley, but this is a different kettle to those clubs where there’s no real expectation,” he said.
“Staying in the division is probably the expectation, with that they can flourish.
“But when you come to Aston Villa you are under the pump, under the cosh, under the spotlight straight away, big demands.
“That’s what playing for this club is, big club, big expectations - that becomes difficult for people, two or three have found it difficult.
“But we’ve seen with Hourihane, how he’s picked up and done well, but we hope Scotty can do that too.”
Villa have been boosted by the return of both Keinan Davis and Andre Green to training.
Winger Green had been absent since September, after undergoing surgery on a hamstring.
