Steven Gerrard issues stark message to Aston Villa fringe players after Leon Bailey frustration

Steven Gerrard has issued a message to Aston Villa's fringe players growing frustrated over a lack of game time. The likes of Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore have hardly featured since their respective returns from injuries and, this week, Bailey's step-dad and agent Craig Butler said his son was "riled" by being continually on Villa's bench.

Bailey, Traore and out-of-favour midfielder Morgan Sanson have managed just seven Premier League starts between them this season. Speaking ahead of Arsenal tomorrow, Gerrard issued this message to those struggling to get a look-in of late.

He said: "They have an opportunity to impress me every single day in training. People who have impressed me in training consistently have been given opportunities. Then it's down to them players to take them.

"In terms of the last four or five games people playing in the forward positions have performed really well and, if you're winning games, you don't really want to make too many changes. Going back to your question saying that them players have been frustrated or may be frustrated.

"You know, we've had similar feelings when they've been injured or when they've gone away on international duty and come back injured. We haven't seen enough of them players on the pitch or in terms of availability so people have had headstarts on them. Have got more in the bank, if you like, in terms of impressing us and delivering and contributing to the team.

"The challenge is very much for them and the ball is very much for them to out-train and impress me to a level where I can't ignore them. I'm waiting for that."

Do the likes of Bailey and Traore have futures at Villa Park? Have your say in the comments section below.