Dean Smith has told the Express and Star that he doesn't believe Tyrone Mings will be affected by the recent stamping controversy that has engulfed him.

The former Bournemouth man had a solid debut for Villa as they kept a clean sheet at Reading, but his display was overshadowed by the unsavoury incident that saw Nelson Oliveira needing hospital treatment.

Mings appeared to stamp on the Reading striker's face, leaving him with injuries normally reserved for a horror movie. The 25-year old has escaped FA punishment, but Oliveira has spoken out, claiming his injuries could have been avoided.

Aston Villa boss Smith is convinced that despite the furore, his player won't be affected this evening against Sheffield United.

“Tyrone has trained as normal all week and he has been good. He will play his normal game. I have no doubt about that. The kid has done nothing wrong in my opinion. I have told him that. He goes out and plays.”

Smith also dismissed claims by pundits and former players that Mings should have been charged this week.

“I have not read any of it. I don’t know what their opinions are and frankly I am not bothered. I know what my opinion is. It was an accident that happened in a contact sport. We move on.”

Villa will be looking to get their promotion hopes back on track this evening as they face high-flying Sheffield United, who are themselves in the hunt for a top two spot.

The Verdict

Mings might not be affected this weekend, but Oliveira will. He received shocking injuries and 99% of the time clashes like that don't happen because players ensure they don't.

Opponents have a duty to respect each other to a degree, contact sport or not. Nobody wants to see someone hurt as the Reading striker was and to further dismiss it as Smith has done is wrong.

He should have avoided the question.