Fit-again striker Jonathan Kodjia determined to fire Aston Villa up the Championship
Jonathan Kodjia has expressed his determination to help Villa climb the Championship following his return from injury.
The 27-year-old striker made his return to first-team action following more than four months out with a broken ankle earlier this week.
Kodjia, Villa's top scorer last season with 19 goals, is now eager to make up for lost time.
He said: “I worked very hard to come back as soon as I could. I worked very hard with the physios. Now I just want to play – I am so determined to come in and help the team.
“I think one of the hardest moments for me was seeing the lads start the season – and not being able to help. That’s tough.
“I want to play my part now. I want to contribute. It was so good to put the Villa shirt on again this week. It made me smile.”
Villa will have Henri Lansbury available for Saturday’s game at Barnsley (kick-off 5.30pm) after the club successfully appealed the midfielder’s red card in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough.
Boss Steve Bruce heads into the game under increasing pressure after a haul of just seven points from the opening seven fixtures.
Kodjia is expected to play some part but has warned it may take some time before he is up to full speed.
“I just need a bit of patience now – some time – before I am up to my very top level," he said. "As I get fitter, I will get stronger and that’s when you will see the best of me.
“The game at Blackburn was a very bad moment for me. The injury was very difficult for me to take. Thankfully it’s finished now. Now it’s time to push on.
“The fans helped me so much. They sent me messages every day on social media. That inspired me. It’s not easy coming back from injury – it’s hard work every day. But the supporters kept me going. Their messages pushed me forward."
