Express & Star

Aston Villa youngsters hit Wolves pups for four

Kaine Kesler scored twice as Villa under-23s cruised to a 4-0 win over their Wolves counterparts.

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Aston Villa's Kaine Kesler-Hayden in action during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at Villa Park, Birmingham. PA Photo. Picture date: Friday January 8, 2021. See PA story SOCCER Villa. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

The marauding right-back bagged a goal in each half for the hosts at Bodymoor Heath in a one-sided Premier League encounter.

Louie Barry was also on the mark for Villa from the penalty spot in between, while Aaron Ramsey rounded off the scoring late on.

The only disappointment for the home side was the earlier than anticipated departure of striker Wesley after he took a whack to his knee during the first half.

Wesley, returning from a long-term knee injury which has kept him sidelined for more than 15 months, was expected to play the opening 45 minutes but lasted only 36 after being withdrawn as a precaution.

The £21million striker was assessed by Villa’s medical team who quickly determined there was no cause for major concern.

After blazing over in the opening seconds Kesler made the breakthrough with five minutes on the clock when he latched onto Carney Chukwuemeka’s through pass and fired home.

Barry doubled the lead after Chukwuemeka was brought down with Villa adding two more after the break.