Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia has described how fans ‘inspired me and kept me going’ during his long injury lay-off, in a message released on the club’s Twitter account.

The Ivorian striker suffered a broken ankle towards the latter stages of last season, and a substitute appearance off the bench in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough marked the player’s return to first team action.

Kodjia has been sensational for the Villains since joining last summer from Bristol City in a big-money deal, scoring 19 times as Villa recorded a mid-table finish.

Steve Bruce’s side have suffered a nightmare start to the season, recording just one win from their opening seven matches, and Kodjia is sure to be reintroduced to the starting XI very soon.

The Verdict

Fans were delighted to see Kodjia return to first team action in the week, and will feel that an upturn in form is just around the corner now that the marksman is back.

Kodjia is Villa’s best player by a country-mile, and his prowess and ability in front of goals has allowed him to evolve into one of the deadliest strikers in the Football League.

The Ivorian took to the English game like a duck to water when he joined Bristol City from France, and his fine form will continue when he is back to full fitness.

Bruce must be careful however, as introducing the player into the starting team too quickly could lead to further injury concerns.

Villa fans, with Kodjia back in action, will your results begin to improve?