Conor Hourihane content to be Mr Versatile for Aston Villa

The Republic of Ireland international has netted twice in the past week, including the only goal in the Boxing Day victory over Swansea City.

It follows his return to a more familiar attacking role, due to the absence of Jack Grealish, having spent the early part of Dean Smith’s reign in a more defensive position.

Hourihane last season became Villa’s first midfielder since David Platt to net double figures in a league campaign.

But he said: “Wherever the gaffer wants me to play, I’ll play. I am just one of those lads who keeps my head down and gets on with it.

“If he (Smith) wants me to play as a No.6, which I have for a few games, it means I can’t go forward as much but that is absolutely fine.

“If it helps the lads out then I am more than happy to do it. The last couple of games with Jack being out he has pushed me forward, into a more attacking role which I know I can do as well. Whatever he asks me to do, I’ll do it.”