Steven Gerrard gives his take on John McGinn's challenge on Leeds United's Archie Gray

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has given his thoughts on the John McGinn tackle that led to Leeds United youngster Archie Gray needing to be stretchered off. Gray was on the end of a stiff challenge from McGinn just a few minutes after stepping off the bench during the club’s 1-0 defeat to Villa at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The Scotland international appeared to catch the 16-year-old on the ankle and the exciting young prospect could be seen leaving the pitch in a large amount of pain. Fortunately for Gray, the injury isn’t as it could have been, with Jesse Marsch confirming it the club were hopeful it was just a sprain.

Gerrard was asked about the challenge in his post-match press conference after the game.

“I think in the main it was played in the right way,” Gerrard said. “It got feisty for a short period where there was a few feisty tackles from them and a couple from us.

“You’ve got two Premier League teams that want to win a game, we’re both rehearsing for a very important season and both players what to win even though it’s a friendly game. It’s in your DNA to win and it’s normal that you get contact in games.

"We wish the young kid very well. John's got the ball, but unfortunately he's been unlucky in the follow through. We wish him well and hopefully it's not a long injury. There was one just before by the same boy on (Emiliano) Buendia and my heart was in my mouth.

“It was feisty for a period but in the main it was played in the right way.”

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