Dean Smith has impressed in bursts for Aston Villa since arriving at the club back in October and they remain in the hunt for promotion. 

With the club sat in a disappointing tenth place with 31 matches played, it would be easy to get despondent, but sitting just six points outside the play-offs means there remains a chance.

They will have the chance to build some momentum on Wednesday night when Smith takes his side to Brentford to face his former club.

It also means that a Bees defender who was linked with a move to Villa Park in the summer will have the chance to show what they missed out on.

Rico Henry has been thoroughly impressive this season after breaking into the Brentford first team and was reportedly high on Smith's list of January targets.

So, how will he be feeling ahead of the midweek clash?

The youngster should be relishing the chance to shine against Smith's new side, especially given the rumoured January interest.

Henry has been brilliant at left-back, which remains a position in which Villa remain in dire need of improvement.

The 21-year-old should be treating the clash as an audition for a potential summer move. As good as Brentford are, sadly they do not have the financial clout to compete for promotion.