Matty Cash targeting a top half finish with Aston Villa

Dean Smith’s sit second in the table after winning all four matches to date and could go top for the first time since 2001 if they take a point from Friday’s visit of Leeds.

Though Cash insists no-one at Villa is getting carried away, the full-back acknowledges their early season form has raised expectations of a team who only avoided relegation by a point last term and were tipped to again struggle by many pundits.

The 23-year-old, one of five signings during the recent transfer window, admitted confidence is currently “through the roof” after Sunday’s 1-0 win at Leicester.

And he added: “We don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves but with the squad of players we have, we have to look toward the top half of the table.

“It is about taking small steps. From the club staying in the league last season I think a top-10 finish this time around would be a fantastic achievement. That is what we are building toward.”

Victory at Leicester saw Villa follow up their stunning 7-2 win over champions Liverpool prior to the international break.

Chelsea loanee Ross Barkley, another of the new arrivals, netted the only goal of the match in stoppage time.

Cash continued: “It was a great strike by Ross. I’ve followed Chelsea since I was younger and watched him play for them and England, so it is fantastic to playing alongside him now.

“He is a really talented player and in the team we have players who lead by example. It is a good mixture, some young lads and some experienced players. So far it is working well.

“Liverpool was a shock to everyone. For us it was a game where we were just trying to do as well as we could and we ended up scoring seven!

“The main target was keeping the momentum we had. On Sunday we fought to the end before a little bit of quality won it.”

Villa are now the only team in England’s top five divisions still with a 100 per cent record.

“When you are doing well there is always the pressure to keep doing well,” added Cash.

“We have started well but all you can do after a big win is enjoy the moment and focus on the next game. It is a quick turnaround to Leeds, which is another big game.”