Euro incentive is there for Aston Villa loanee Ross Barkley
Dean Smith believes next year’s Euros is a dangling carrot for Ross Barkley to continue his impressive form in a Villa shirt.
The Chelsea loanee has scored twice in five appearances for Villa this season – proving to be an influential figure in attacking midfield.
Having missed out on recent England squads, Smith insists the incentive of next year’s competition should drive Barkley – and his other international hopefuls – to stay consistent for their club.
“Hopefully (we can benefit) an awful lot,” Smith said.
“There are not many internationals left for Gareth and England to play before the Euros. So the players who are performing well week in, week out in the Premier League are certainly going to make the England coaching staff sit up and take notice. So it’s a massive carrot for all those players to keep performing well.
“He (Barkley) knows he has got four months of hard work and good performances to show everybody he should be in the England squad. From the little I have worked with him so far, his attitude and application has been first class – long may that continue. He still has time, he is a quality player and I’m thankful he is with Aston Villa at the moment and I am thankful for Chelsea for loaning him to us.”
