Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor believes that boss Dean Smith is going to find it tough to be pick his team for the play-offs due to the quality he has in the squad.

A remarkable run of 12 games unbeaten, which included a club-record ten successive victories, have lifted Villa in the top six and they go into the final day knowing they are guaranteed fifth place.

That form has been particularly impressive when you consider several key players have been absent, with Tammy Abraham, Kortney Hause and James Chester just some of the players who hope to return for the semi-final next week.

And, Taylor told the Express & Star how that will present Smith with a problem when it comes to selection, saying: "You have to be ready. That is the Championship. There are so many games and injuries will happen. It takes the entire squad.

"I would not like to be the manager, picking the team come the end of the season when everyone is fit. But it is a nice problem to have."

The west midlands outfit finish the regular campaign against Norwich at Villa Park, with the visitors needing a point to secure the title.

The Verdict

Everything seems to be coming together at the right time for Villa as they will head into the play-offs with momentum and Smith will have a big squad to choose from.

As Taylor says, it's a problem that the manager will want and it's ultimately down to the players to do enough when they're given a chance to keep the shirt.

Villa will hope the fierce competition for places can drive the team over the line as they seek promotion.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.