Conor Hourihane can divide opinion amongst Aston Villa fans but on Saturday he proved his worth when he changed the first leg semi-final play-off encounter against West Brom.
Dean Smith’s side, who were dominating the game, were losing the match 1-0 and they needed that extra spark in the middle of the park to push them towards a goal.
Up steps substitute Hourihane!
Hourihane’s sweet strike from outside of the area levelled the scores and then minutes later Villa went on to add a crucial second goal.
Now, they head to The Hawthorns on Tuesday night knowing that anything other than a defeat would see them preparing for yet another trip to Wembley.
But does Hourihane start? There is no doubt that Smith will look to attack and be on the front foot. An early goal for Villa would be the perfect start for them.
Not only that, away from home, with Hourihane, Jack Grealish and John McGinn in midfield, Villa will move the ball a lot quicker.
Added with that, in what will be a very tight game and hostile atmosphere, the smallest of chances, that set-piece could end up being crucial and Hourihane is the king of dead ball situations.
