Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings hopeful games won't be played behind closed doors

Professional football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic and further talks over when it might return are due to take place later this week.

A resumption sometime in the summer is the most likely outcome, with a growing acceptance playing matches without fans would be the safest option.

But while Mings acknowledges players must be ready to play whatever the circumstances, he remains hopeful of a situation where supporters are allowed in.

Villa will find themselves back in the thick of a relegation battle if and when the campaign restarts.

Mings told TalkSport: "I feel fortunate to be playing at Villa and playing in front of the fans at Villa Park.

"It's probably one of the reasons why as players that we hope the matches aren't played behind closed doors because the fans are such a big driver when you walk out of the stadium and you've got 42,000 fans roaring for you to succeed.

"Obviously those decisions aren't in our hands at the moment so we'll just play in whatever situation we find ourselves in when we come back.”

Mings, who has seen his star rapidly ascend since initially joining Villa on loan from Bournemouth in January last year, admitted the club’s first season back in the top flight had been a tough learning curve for everyone.

The 27-year-old was one of 12 new signings when he joined in a £20million deal from the Cherries last summer, after Villa went up through the play-offs.

He continued: “On the whole it’s been a good season for learning. The whole team have found the season tough and I will make no bones about that.

“We still want to play the season and prove we can stay in this league. We want to show we still have more to give.”