Aston Villa could be without John McGinn for next week’s clash with Birmingham City, with the midfielder forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad this week.  

Dean Smith now faces an anxious wait over McGinn’s fitness, with the midfielder seemingly in a race against time to be fit for the Second City derby.

McGinn has formed a strong partnership with Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane in recent weeks, with that trio impressive as Villa swept aside Derby County before the international break.

If McGinn is absent, Smith will be forced to shuffle his pack, but who should replace the 24-year-old in midfield?

We discuss…

George Harbey  

I think Villa should replace him with Hourihane in a more advanced position and utilise a midfield trio of him, Birkir Bjarnason and Jack Grealish.

Hourihane may not be as mobile as McGinn, but he still has a killer pass in his locker and can break the Birmingham defence down.

Gary Hutchinson

I tell you who I really like at Villa - Conor Hourihane.

He’s always on the edge of the first team squad, but there’s something about him.

The Irishman works hard and he’s got goals in him, he’d be moving into McGinn’s role if he’s unavailable.

Louie Chandler

My immediate thought is Bjarnason.

The Icelander's work rate and energy is the closest thing they will get to McGinn.

He may lack the technical ability, but he is a great midfielder.

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