Aston Villa fans will be hopeful they can finally begin to get their promotion push underway after what has been a tricky opening 16 matches.

Steve Bruce was sacked in October after winning just three matches in the opening 11 matches of the season with a 3-3 draw with Preston North End the final nail in his coffin.

Brentford boss and Villa fan Dean Smith was brought in to replace him and has had an ok start to life at the club after four matches at the helm.

A 1-0 win against Swansea City got him off to a decent start but defeats to Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers since have brought him back down to earth with a bump.

But Friday night's 2-0 triumph against Bolton Wanderers made it two wins out of four which is far from a disaster. Jack Grealish was on fire that night and is finally delivering after a summer of hype.

A series of disappointing performances this season, however, mean others have been able to outshine him this season.

Here, then, are two players who have stolen the limelight from the midfielder so far...

He struggled at the start of the season under Bruce when he was being employed as a right-back.

But when playing at centre-back he is a different beast and the Manchester United loanee is fast becoming one of the league's best.

He is composed on the ball and tough in the tackle. Expect him to get even better as the season progresses.

The Icelandic international has been a breath of fresh air to the Villa midfield since coming back into the side.

His slick passing and tireless work rate breathe fresh life into the side and they are a much more solid side with him protecting the back four.