Things are looking a little brighter now for Aston Villa after what appeared to be a nightmare start to life in the Championship after the opening weekend and first round of the EFL Cup. 

A solid home win against Rotherham United, and a point against what is looking like an excellent Huddersfield Town side this week, shows that they might well have turned a corner as they look to put last seasons misery behind them.

New boss Roberto Di Matteo has spent a fair amount of money already in the transfer market, and he will be expecting to build on the last two results as they head into their next round of fixtures.

Despite last seasons gloom, there are some early positive signs for the Villans to take forward and make them believe they can bounce straight back.

Here, FLW writer Lee Connor looks at THREE early signs that show Aston Villa have what it takes to win promotion...

McCormack is off the mark

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The best thing what can happen for a striker is for them to get off the mark early, and that is exactly what McCormack has done in bagging against Huddersfield this week.

Early signs look well between McCormack and Gestede being able to strike a good understanding, something which could be crucial to Di Matteo and his side this season.

With the big price tag hanging over his head, it was important McCormack made his mark. He has done just that early doors, which is a huge positive for the Villans.

Di Matteo seems to be bringing in the right characters

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New Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo knew he had a tough task on his hand when he took over, and one of the big things he did was bring in Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick almost immediately.

Those sorts of leaders and characters are exactly what is needed in a team who have just suffered relegation, and the addition this week of Crystal Palace skipper Miles Jedinak further strengthens that case.

These players are wise and shrewd signings, and should serve the club well as the season takes shape.

Jack Grealish has his football head back on

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The bright young prospect endured a miserable time last season as part of the team that was relegated, with question marks about his attitude and commitment raised on more than one occasion.

However, Grealish has been back in the team in the last few games and looked every bit the player the Villa faithful know he can develop into.

A goal in the 3-0 win over Rotherham will have done wonders for his confidence, and it is testament to Roberto Di Matteo that he appears to have got Grealish on board.

The youngster could be crucial in this team this season, so more good performances would be most welcome by all at Villa Park.

Villa fans, what do you think to your start to the season? Unlucky? Poor? Good signs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!