Aston Villa told they can 'end the season strong' once star is fully fit

Former Aston Villa striker Frank McAvennie believes " things will turn around" once January signing Philippe Countinho is fully fit and is " absolutely certain" they can still "end the season strong".

Steven Gerrard 's side are winless in the month of February and have lost back-to-back Premier League matches for just the second time since the former Rangers manager was appointed in November to replace Dean Smith.

Consecutive 1-0 defeats against Newcastle United and Watford has left Villa 13th in the table ahead of this weekend's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, who are currently six points and four places above them.

Coutinho played the full 90 minutes in both of those matches and also started the first match of the month against Leeds United, scoring the equaliser and assisting the hosts' two other goals at Villa Park in the 3-3 draw, and the former West Ham United striker is sure the side will kick on once the 29-year-old is " up and running".

“Gerrard walked into the dressing room and brought players like Coutinho in, which is what that club needs,” McAvennie told Football Insider.

“I think Villa are a huge club, but they have been underachieving for years.

“That club is an institution, they should be, and they can be right up there with the best.

“I was only up there for a few months, but what a club it is; Steven Gerrard must feel that as well.

“He wants that club to do well, and his signings have looked great. Coutinho isn’t even fit yet.

“Once he’s up and running, wow, things will turn around. I am absolutely certain Villa can end the season strong.

“Then it’s exciting, and it’s finally time to look up the table and get even stronger over the summer.”