Dean Smith faces a potential selection dilemma ahead of the crucial derby with Birmingham City this weekend - and one that he probably didn't envisage.

Ever since joining the club from Hibs in the summer, midfielder John McGinn has made himself one of the main men for Villa.

He has impressed with his energy and quality from the middle of the park and is a fans favourite too.

However, he has missed the past two games through suspension, with Villa picking up four points in the process, which includes the emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Derby last time out.

Prior to that, Villa had won one of the last eight league games that McGinn had featured in and whilst we are by no means pointing the finger at him for that, it's food for thought for the manager.

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And, the Scotland international will be well aware of that as the build-up increases for the huge game on Sunday.

McGinn will know he has no divine right to walk into the team, particularly with Conor Hourihane scoring twice against the Rams and Jack Grealish sure to start.

Of course, he could play alongside those two in a three-man midfield but there will be questions about his discipline to perform such a role.

So, this will be a big week in training for the player who will need to show the manager that he has qualities that the team need for the Second City derby, which is a game that Villa really have to win to keep their top six hopes alive.

It's a problem that you didn't see coming but it won't do Smith any harm as a motivated McGinn looks to win his place back.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.