Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has dropped the biggest hint yet that some of his talented Under 23 players may get time out on loan in the second half of the season.

Villa have experienced a resurgence in recent weeks under the former Brentford boss and their talented squad is being utilised fully, with a route back into the first team for the likes of Henri Lansbury.

The squad is full of talent, be it the cast-offs from the Bruce era, or the Under 23 prospects.

Players such as Callum O'Hare Dominic Revan have been seen on the bench, but when the senior players are fit they might find chances limited.

Smith, talking to Birmingham Live, made it clear that these players will need senior football, hinting that loan spells in the early part of 2019 might be the way forward. He was asked if he would be letting them out on loan and responded by saying: “I think that’s really important."

“These under-23s need to go and play men’s football. They come back better players and better people. They go out and see the real world playing alongside some seasoned professionals who rely on winning games for bonuses."

“Going out on loan to me is something that’s really important for their development and it’s something that we’re keen to do.”

Villa already have Andre Green out on loan at Portsmouth, whilst Mitchell Clark has started 20 matches at League Two side Port Vale.

The Verdict

It is important for these lads to get senior football and it can be the making of them too.

Look at David Beckham, he went out on loan to Preston in the basement division in the mid nineties and he didn't turn out badly, did he?

It is a major part of any player's development and one Smith will be wise to pursue.