Speaking to the Express and Star, Conor Hourihane has admitted that Aston Villa are under extra pressure, as they are the biggest club in the Sky Bet Championship.

After a slow start to the season, Villa and Steve Bruce were under pressure, but back-to-back victories in the Championship have lifted some of that pressure and helped the club climb the table.

Hourihane has spoken about the pressure Villa have found themselves under this season, he said: “We are always under pressure at this club because expectations are really high. Everyone wants to get promoted, the players, the fans.

“It is the biggest club in the division and people expect us to win every game. Everyone has to handle the pressure and take it in their stride.”

The Irishman has been impressive for Villa so far this season, scoring on five occasions already.

Hourihane’s strike in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest secured a much-needed three points for Villa, helping Bruce’s side move into the top ten of the Championship table.

Villa have two fixtures in the coming week, first of all travelling to Burton Albion on Tuesday, before welcoming Bolton Wanderers to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

Bruce’s side are currently on 13 points in ninth, just two points behind sixth placed Middlesbrough.

The Verdict

The pressure that Villa have on them in the Championship is huge, particularly with the amount of money they have spent putting together an excellent squad.

Hourihane is one of Villa’s most important players, and he has really been a shining light for Bruce’s men during the early stage of the season.

The midfielder has a reputation for scoring important goals, and if he can keep up his good form, he could help Villa deliver promotion this season. 

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!