Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis vows to repay Dean Smith backing after ending goal drought

The 21-year-old’s strike in Tuesday’s 6-1 Carabao Cup win at Crewe was his first since January, 2018.

Davis burst onto the scene during the 2017-18 campaign but endured frustration last term with a persistent groin injury.

The former non-league ace admits he was initially keen to go out on loan this season, before being assured by Smith he had a part to play in newly-promoted Villa’s Premier League campaign.

Davis said: “I wasn't sure if I was going to play much but he (Smith) kept on reassuring me that I was going to play and get enough games so it was OK.

"If I didn't get that reassurance I wouldn't have known what to do, so to get it was good.

"Because he didn't get another striker in, he said he has faith in me and (Jonathan) Kodjia and I've now got to prove myself when I get the opportunity.

"The manager has given me massive confidence by saying that he wants me to stay. It's now my job to repay him.”

Villa broke a club record when they paid Club Brugge £22million to sign Wesley during the summer.

Davis, who caught the eye with his all-round performance at Gresty Road, says it is now his job to put pressure on the Brazilian.

"I know that Wesley is the main striker but I just want to keep chasing him down,” he said. "I need to keep pushing him and pushing myself.

"I want to play (in the Premier League) but I've got to wait my turn. On nights like Tuesday, you've got to take your chance. I thought I played well.”

Smith said: “He's a handful, Keinan. I don't think there will be too many centre-halves in any league that would want to play against him. He's physical, he's strong.

“I was really pleased he got his goal because that's the only thing missing at times. He's a bit of a throwback of a centre-forward.”