Craig Butler sends Leon Bailey message as Aston Villa struggles continue

Leon Bailey is waiting for his Aston Villa career to properly take off after a £30 million summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Bailey has been hit by injury on two separate occasions this season, with a quad problem sustained in a 3-0 defeat of Everton back in September ruling him out for three games. The player thought he had injured himself scoring his first goal for Villa in his breakout clash against the Toffees and that sidelined him for just over a month.

He returned but suffered a thigh problem against Manchester City in early December and that kept him out of action for almost three months, with Bailey returning for the February 13 game against Newcastle United. Bailey has played 90 minutes only twice this season for Villa, his most recent full match coming in a 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers a couple of games ago.

The 24 year-old Jamaica international has also had to factor in international commitments this season with his country going for World Cup qualification. All that has meant an unsettled maiden campaign in claret and blue for Bailey, who is highly rated by Villa boss Gerrard.

"Everyone is waiting for him," he said. "The owners, the board, the staff, the players.

"We're all waiting for Leon to really burst onto the scene, stay healthy and find his best level. We've signed a talent who has produced at his previous clubs and he's shown flashes. Leon's focus has to be on staying fit, getting himself in the best physical condition and allowing his talent to flourish. He's a fantastic player and we need to see more of it."

Bailey posted a picture of himself at London Heathrow airport on Friday to the photo-sharing platform Instagram, with his father Craig Butler commenting: "Focus and remember the