Aston Villa minds focused on play-offs success says Colin Calderwood

Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Derby, coupled with Cardiff’s 2-0 win at Hull, finally extinguished any lingering hope of a top two finish for Steve Bruce’s team.

But assistant boss Calderwood insists attentions have already been turned to the play-offs, where they will first face either Middlesbrough or Derby over a two-legged semi-final.

“We are clear with where we are. We won’t have the disappointment of missing out,” he said.

“Whichever way you dress it up, you have to deal with the situation in front of you. There can be no negative thoughts for us.

“We go home and away to win. That’s our attitude.”

The same sentiments were echoed by full-back Ahmed Elmohamady, who said: “You want to finish the season and get the job done and get automatic promotion.

“But it doesn’t matter when you go into the play-offs, as it’s the same job. When you get promoted, it’s a big feeling at Wembley.”

Villa got a taste of the atmosphere they can expect in the play-offs as Lewis Grabban’s late leveller earned them a deserved point in an entertaining clash with the Rams.

Cameron Jerome had fired the visitors, who still need a point to secure a top six finish, into a 14th minute lead.

But both Grabban and Jonathan Kodjia hit the woodwork for Villa, while Conor Hourihane also squandered a great chance to level before parity was finally restored with six minutes remaining.

Calderwood added: “We’re disappointed with the result. But when you don’t win, you have to be happy with the players’ application and the method we used.

“We had a goal threat and were balanced.

“It’s where you want it to be as a manager or on the coaching side. So in that respect we’re happy enough.”

The only downside for Villa was a hamstring strain sustained by Neil Taylor, which forced the Wales international out of the action after just 23 minutes.

“That’s the only negative thing,” said Calderwood. “Hopefully it won’t be too bad.”