Dean Smith: Aston Villa take confidence from Leicester City draw despite 'farcical' goal

Frederic Guilbert’s second goal for the club had Smith’s men on course for a shock victory at the King Power Stadium.

But a lapse in concentration from midfielder Douglas Luiz with 15 minutes to go led to Kelechi Iheanacho netting a leveller for the Foxes, which ensured the tie will head to Villa Park later this month all square.

Smith said: “It was a bit of a farcical goal to give away. We can take an awful lot of confidence and belief from the performance. To come away from here unbeaten for one.

“I think everyone knows how well Leicester have been playing. We were under pressure for a lot of time in the second half and defended stoutly.

“It was a farcical goal which we have given away and it blotted the performance somewhat.”

Villa had been thumped 4-1 at home by the high-flying Foxes in the Premier League just a month previously but were far more solid on this occasion.

“We learned our lessons very well,” said Smith. “I thought it was a really solid defensive performance. They put us under pressure as good teams do at home.

“We have relied on some headers, some blocks and some good saves from Orjan Nyland as well.

“All in all it was a really good away performance. To leave here unbeaten is testament to the players.”

The absence of Jonathan Kodjia through illness meant Smith fielded a team without a recognised striker, further highlighting the need for reinforcements during the January transfer window.

Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez is a target for Villa, though their chances of prising the former Albion hitman away from the Clarets are likely to be slim.

Smith is also in the market for another goalkeeper but while a move for Milan’s Pepe Reina is under consideration, reports a deal have already been agreed are wide of the mark.