Steven Gerrard has sent Leon Bailey Aston Villa plea ahead of Brighton clash

Steven Gerrard has stated he and everyone associated with the club are eagerly awaiting a fully fit Leon Bailey to re-announce himself in an Aston Villa shirt.

The £33million man made an instant impact for Villa after signing from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, after coming on to get an assist in the opening day of the season within minutes of his arrival.

Sadly, he then picked up an injury which sidelined him for three games before making his return in claret and blue in the 3-0 loss to Chelsea. Despite the result, Bailey's presence impressed fans and he continued to do so in his next appearance with a thunderous effort against Everton to seal a 3-0 win.

As everyone is well aware however, this game once again saw the Jamaican sidelined, as he missed the four games after this fixture due to an issue picked up whilst striking the ball.

Through both the situation at the club with Dean Smith and Bailey playing through illness and other injuries, his next six appearances in a Villa shirt were somewhat uninspiring. Which led to his final and most severe injury that kept him out of nine games until his return against Newcastle United in the 1-0 defeat.

Speaking on Bailey, Gerrard had this to say recently: "Everyone is waiting for him. 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 provides Villa with something they often lack in their side, which is raw pace