Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is ‘sending a message’ to the underperforming members of his senior squad by calling up youngsters to first-team training, according to journalist Dean Jones. Gerrard has overseen a tough start to the season at Villa Park and may be hoping that some youthful exuberance in training can set them back on the right path.
With six matches played in the Premier League, the West Midlands giants have won one game and scored just five goals. Their most recent clash ended in a 1-1 draw against Manchester City, perhaps hinting at a recovery, but upcoming clashes with Southampton, Leeds and Nottingham Forest will likely offer a clearer picture of where they are as a club.
Gerrard has taken action to try and rectify the problem recently, calling up under-21 stars in the form of midfielder Tommi O’Reilly and defender Josh Feeney, according to Birmingham Live.
The same outlet later reported that winger Declan Firth has also seen his good form rewarded with a call-up to Gerrard’s first-team training sessions.