Conor Hourihane hopes his Blackburn late show can spark a charge up the Championship for Aston Villa

The midfielder came off the bench to salvage a 1-1 draw for Steve Bruce’s men when he blasted home a stoppage time free-kick at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Villa remain five games without a win in the league but Hourihane hopes his goal has provided a boost ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Rotherham.

He said: “Hopefully that goal can help us turn the corner. We have been a little bit disappointed with our start. We have thrown away a few points here and there. Hopefully this can be the start of a little run.”

Hourihane’s goal cancelled out Bradley Dack’s opener for the hosts and eased a little of the immediate pressure on Steve Bruce, after sections of the travelling support had called for the manager’s head.

“Of course they are frustrated,” said Hourihane when asked about the fans.

“The demand is huge on us. They expect us to be top of the league and we expect to be there as well.

“Hopefully this can be the turning point for us. It’s five points to the top. With two games in the week to come it can all change.

“First of all we will try to take care of Tuesday. Each game as it comes. I know it sounds boring but that is what we do.”

The goal was the first of the season for Hourihane, who has found himself out of the team following last month’s arrival of John McGinn from Hibernian.

“It’s been hugely disappointing for me,” said Hourihane. “Last year I felt I had a good year. I feel I have been left out of it a little this year and it is hugely disappointing.

“I kept my head down and working hard and you get the rewards in the end.”