Robert Snodgrass: Aston Villa are driven by fear of losing

Villa have the chance to reclaim top-flight status, two years on from relegation, when they face Fulham in the Championship play-off final this Saturday.

Snodgrass, meanwhile, is targeting a second Wembley triumph in three seasons – having been part of the Hull team which won promotion via the same route two years ago.

“That’s beauty of the play-offs, it’s the fear of losing that drives you forwards,” said the West Ham loanee.

“None of the lads want to lose. You saw that never-say-die attitude in the semi-final against Boro, who made it difficult for us.

"It’s the Championship though isn’t it? Everybody loves watching the Championship. Now we have to dust ourselves down and get ready for the next one.”

Saturday’s result could have serious ramifications for Villa’s future, with the club in line for a £132million windfall should they win promotion.

Conversely, a longer stay in the second tier would mean owner Tony Xia having to further cut the budget and rule out Villa signing Snodgrass on a permanent deal.

The Scot insists his own future is not in his thoughts but added: “Everybody wants to be on the good end, the club have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the club back there, it’s very rare you get a second chance to get to your final destination.

“We fell short in the automatic places. We know now there’s no room for error.”

Chief executive Keith Wyness has, meanwhile, hailed Villa’s supporters after the club sold out its 38,144 allocation for Saturday’s showpiece.

The final few tickets were snapped up in the early hours of yesterday morning.

“Once again, Villa fans have shown their tremendous support,” said Wyness.

“Big games always mean disappointment for some, it has unfortunately always been like that in football. I know we could have taken many thousands more.

“Your support on Saturday will be crucial as it was in the play-off semi-final games. A sincere thank you to all of you.”