Steven Gerrard maps out clear Aston Villa plan for 'own worst critic' Danny Ings

Danny Ings was very critical of himself after last week's win over Norwich, claiming how his debut campaign at Villa Park had been "underwhelming". Yet the 29-year-old - scorer of six Premier League goals this season - remains a big part of Steven Gerrard's plans moving forward with the Aston Villa head coach quick to lavish praise on his £30million marksman.

"I think he is his own worst critic," Gerrard said of Ings. "I certainly wouldn't read too much into that. He certainly hasn't been underwhelming for me. That is not the way I see it.

"But I think that sums up Danny. He is very humble, very authentic and self-critical, which is probably the reason he's played a good level his whole career and why when he is at it, you see a top quality player.

"But he does not have to worry about what has gone before. He should be pleased with the contribution he has made for me and try to make it better between now and the end of the season. That is all that matters."

On what his message would be for self-critical Ings, Gerrard added: "He's said himself it has been a stop-start season. His missus had given birth (prior to Wolves) and that was a big moment for him. He was waiting a while for that and maybe his focus was on that. He has had to deal with a couple of niggly injuries.

"But in terms of Danny Ings and what we think of him and how important he is to us, I don’t have to ask that question. I think it goes without saying. We love the kid, we love the player. He is very much part of our thoughts.

"When he is firing without these niggles and his focus is on the game he is a big threat for Aston Villa. I think he has proved that. From now until the end of the season we want his quality and goals to put us in a better place in