Aston Villa duo Tom Heaton and Wesley ruled out for remainder of season

Record signing Wesley was already expected to miss the rest of the campaign after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in the 2-1 New Year's Day win at Burnley.

But the club have now confirmed goalkeeper Heaton's season is over after he too damaged knee ligaments at Turf Moor.

Both players left the field on a stretcher in the final 20 minutes of the match. Wesley suffered his injury after being tackled by Clarets defender Ben Mee, before Heaton was hurt trying to keep out Chris Wood's 80th minute header.

The injuries cast a shadow over what was a huge win for Villa and Smith, who had scrutiny on his position ramp up during a run of five defeats in six matches.

Villa, who were already looking to bolster their forward line during the January transfer window, may now consider recruiting a goalkeeper.

Youngster Matija Sarkic has already been recalled from a loan spell at Livingston, with Orjan Nyland now installed as the club's No.1.

Smith will now hold urgent talks with chief executive Christian Purslow and sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch to plot the best way forward.

“We had business planned anyway and that will still continue,” said the boss.

“I am sitting down tonight with Christian Purslow and Suso to see what this changes.

“It will probably hasten what we do in the market. When I sit down with them I will see where we want to go and how quickly we do it.”

The injury means Heaton, a regular in the England squad, will now miss the Euro 2020 tournament.

“Tom is a player I wanted to bring in at the start of the season, a Premier League player, England goalkeeper, a great character and a leader.

“He has proven that in the dressing room. I feel for him and his family because he would have been nailed on to go to the Euros in the summer.

“They are two key players but we can’t go around feeling sorry for ourselves. We have to help the players in their recovery but recruit well as well.”