Conor Hourihane vows to keep battling for regular starts at Aston Villa
Conor Hourihane has vowed to keep fighting for a regular place in Villa's starting XI after admitting frustration at his lack of Premier League playing time.
The midfield ace was on the mark in Wednesday's third round Carabao Cup win at Brighton, taking his goal tally in the competition to three in two games.
Hourihane, a key part of the team which won promotion last season, has seen his chances in the league limited with boss Dean Smith preferring either Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba alongside Jack Grealish and John McGinn.
The Republic of Ireland international has made just two substitute appearances in the league since starting Villa's 3-1 opening day defeat at Tottenham last month.
He said: "It’s been frustrating for myself from the start of the season.
"Opportunities have come my way and it feels like I have been taking them. I can’t really be doing much more.
"We got promoted and we always knew players would come into the squad. I feel like I have been holding my own whatever opportunity I have been getting.
"Opportunities come up in life and you have to try and take them when they do. I can’t really do too much more, I feel."
Hourihane has spoken to Smith about his playing time but admits the onus is upon himself to keep making a case for selection, when he gets the chance.
"Listen, when I am not playing I will go and see any manager," he said. "It doesn’t really matter.
"Whoever is the manager I will go and knock on his door, don’t worry about that. We have conversations.
"But it is down to myself really, it's not up to anyone else.
"You have to work hard, I'm always onto young lads that you have to work hard every single day because if you don't, people will pass you out.
"When you're not in the team, I do everything I can to improve and be ready for opportunities."
