Conor Hourihane hails Aston Villa strikeforce
Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has hailed the impact of returning hero Jonathan Kodjia as a major boost for their Championship promotion bid.
Hourihane, who is with the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Moldova tomorrow and Wales on Monday, believes Villa are ready to further their successful recent run after the international break.
And the 26-year-old believes the return of last season’s top goalscorer alongside emerging teenage talent Keinan Davis will be a massive boost.
“Kodjia coming back is a big one for us,” said Hourihane.
“Keinan up front has been a good find for us as well. He has really come into his own the last few games. It looks we are performing better with two up front. They are a handful for anyone in the league.
"Maybe with those two in front we have to sacrifice someone in midfield which might let the opposition have a little more possession. When we get the ball down they can cause some problems.”
And he believes Kodjia will not take long to be back at his potent best after four months out with a broken ankle.
“He is a flying fit lad,” added Hourihane.
“I know he was out for a bit but he worked hard when he came back and got an under-23s game under his belt. He has had two starts now. Within the next few days and over the international break I am sure he will be back flying fit and keep kicking on.
“He is a presence. We have missed him, without a doubt.
“Him and Keinan are two big lads who cause trouble in this league. They make an ugly ball look like a good ball, get their backs into people, win fouls and work hard off the ball as well. To have two of them up there is a bonus.”
