Kortney Hause: Aston Villa are ready to fight their way out of relegation danger

Villa head to Watford on Saturday looking to follow up their 1-0 Boxing Day win over Norwich, a result which snapped a four-match losing streak for Dean Smith’s team.

Though their performance against the Canaries was some way from perfect, Villa did display the battling qualities Hause acknowledges had been absent in recent matches.

The centre-back said: “From the Sheffield United game, to be honest with you, we have said as a team we have not been horrible enough to play against.

“We had not been up for the fight. But against Norwich we were up for the fight, everyone. All the players.

“You see what it is like at Villa Park when everyone shows they have a bit of fight, the fans are fully behind us.

“We have to keep doing that. It is the bare minimum. The ability and quality and good play will all come from that.

“Look at Southampton. They went to Chelsea and won 2-0.

“I can tell you they have not outplayed Chelsea in terms of ability. They have gone there and fought and won the battle.

“First and foremost, you have to show that hard work. We did it against Norwich, now we need to build on it.”

The Norwich match was the first time in his career Hause had been on the winning side in the Premier League, with the former Wolves man having had to wait for his chance this season due to the form of Tyrone Mings.

But the quick festive turnaround, with Villa kicking-off at Vicarage Road just 46 hours later, means the 24-year-old had little time to reflect on the achievement.

“I can’t really enjoy it. I am already focused on Watford,” he said. “I need to get my body right and my mind right for that.

“It is relentless if you want to stay up in this league. It is always on to the next one.

“We lost four on the bounce but now we have won one. Now let’s go again and win at Watford and things will look different.”

Mings, who has missed the last three league matches with a hamstring injury, is in contention to return for the New Year’s Day trip to Burnley.

Hause, who joined in a £3million move from Wolves last summer, has stepped up to fill the England international’s place on the left-hand side of central defence.

“Any player will tell you, you want to play,” said Hause. "It is frustrating and literally, life is not the best if you are not playing.

“Football is our life and if you are not playing it is mind-blowing. The only thing you can do is stay patient, bide your time and stay ready.

“When you do get your chance you want to impress and stay in the team.”