Aston Villa boss Dean Smith backs team-mates to step up in Tyrone Mings' absence
Dean Smith has backed Villa’s other centre-halves to step up and fill the breach in the absence of defensive leader Tyrone Mings.
The England international has been sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out until at least the Boxing Day clash with Norwich.
Mings has played a major role in Villa’s rapid progress since joining the club, initially on loan, back in January.
But boss Smith is confident he has players capable of filling the breach. Ezri Konsa, Bjorn Engels, Kortney Hause and club captain James Chester are all now vying for the two starting places in the heart of defence.
Smith said: “It’s certainly not a position we’re struggling in.
“I’m not crying into my cornflakes this morning because Tyrone’s injured. I know I’ve got suitable players who can step up and, more importantly, want to step up and want that opportunity.”
Hause is yet to make a Premier League appearance since joining in a £3million move from Wolves last summer but is being considered for Saturday's trip to Sheffield United.
“He’s one who’s certainly wants an opportunity,” said Smith. “As I’ve always said, I believe I’ve got two left-footed centre-halves who would be the envy of many teams.”
Smith was unable to put a precise timescale on Mings’s return, though he is hopeful the 26-year-old will not be out for too long.
“I told the medical team to tell me when he’s fit,” he said. “It’s a hamstring injury but, I’m guessing, if he’s pain-free over this weekend then you’re guessing you’re probably looking at the Christmas period, Norwich, Watford, that sort of time frame.
“That’s if he’s pain-free, we’ll have to wait and see.”
