Express & Star

Dean Smith could save Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn from ban

Dean Smith admits he would consider taking John McGinn out of the firing line should the midfielder be at risk of suspension for the play-offs.

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The all-action Scot has been a key figure as Villa have reeled off eight straight wins and charged up to fifth in the Championship ahead of Friday’s trip to Bolton.

But McGinn has also amassed 13 bookings over the course of the campaign and would face a three-match ban – potentially ruling him out of some or all of the play-offs – should be pick up another two over Villa’s four remaining regular season games.

For now Smith’s focus is solely on securing a top-six finish but the boss admitted McGinn’s situation may come into consideration at some point.

He said: “It would depend on where we were in the league at that time and whether we were mathematically certain of the play-offs – or whether he is playing well or not.

“At the moment it’s nothing to worry about, he is on 13 (bookings). If he gets one on Friday then I will start worrying then. At the moment, I don’t need to.”

Villa will welcome back Jack Grealish against the Trotters, after he missed last weekend’s 2-1 win over Bristol City - their eighth on the spin - through illness.

The 23-year-old helped spark Villa's resurgence when he returned from injury early last month.

Smith said: "I said after the Bristol City game it was great we won without Jack. He has been an integral part and people were saying it was a one-man team.

"I also said I would much rather have him in my team because he is one of the best players in this league. But nobody is guaranteed a place in this team."

Tyrone Mings is also available again after serving a one-match ban for his sending-off at Rotherham.