Former Aston Villa defender Paul McGrath has congratulated his former club on reaching the Championship play-off final for the second successive season, after their dramatic victory over West Brom last night.

Villa lost 1-0 to their West Midlands rivals at the Hawthorns on the night, but would eventually triumph on penalties, with goalkeeper Jed Steer making two important saves in the shootout.

McGarth posted this message on his personal

/">Instagram account, congratulating his former club on their achievement, but admitted that he could not watch the penalty shootout due to his nerves.

McGrath praised Villa for the way they took the game to West Brom, after falling a goal behind in the first half through defender Craig Dawon's header.

The former centre-back admitted that he was sad for West Brom, but praised them for the way they defended after going down to ten men in the second half when midfielder Chris Brunt was sent off.

Villa will now face either Leeds United or Derby County in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, with the second leg of the other semi-final taking place at Elland Road tonight.

The Verdict:

McGrath is right. Villa deserve credit for the way they were able to take the game to West Brom after falling behind and Albion deserve credit for the way they defended after going down to ten men.

Villa will face a tough game against either Leeds or Derby in the play-off final in a few weeks time and can go into the final full of confidence given the way they have performed in the Championship in recent weeks.