Tyrone Mings putting hard yards in at Aston Villa

Mings returned to former club Bournemouth today for the first time since his £20million summer move, with boss Smith believing he has already proved worth every penny.

The centre-back, who helped Villa win promotion last season while on loan from the Cherries, has stepped up in the Premier League and also won two England caps.

Mings was among those played mobbed by supporters following Villa’s dramatic Carabao Cup semi-final win over Leicester on Tuesday night.

Smith said: “I think I have seen a video of him actually singing his own song with the Villa fans, which he has been ripped in the dressing room for!

“He has done really well for us and is well liked in the dressing room.

“The biggest thing he has done is perform on the football pitch. That is what he had to do to win people over.”

Mings joined Bournemouth from Ipswich for £10million in 2015, but saw his time on the south coast marred by injury. That meant he arrived at Villa with something to prove.

Smith added: “What were able to give him a number of games to prove himself and he has certainly done that. He has certainly won a way into the hearts of the supporters here as well with his leadership, his style of play and also his attitude. It is his attitude which stands him above all the others and has earned him that England call as well.”

The fee for Mings could eventually rise to £26.5million, dependent on add-ons.

“You look at some of the other fees that have been paid and it has certainly been money well spent by us for sure,” said Smith.

“He has been a very good player for myself and Aston Villa and long may that continue.”