There has been a real shift in mood around Villa Park since Dean Smith was announced as their new manager on Wednesday evening. 

Steve Bruce was given his marching orders from the club after a 3-3 home draw with Preston North End, who were bottom at the time.

Smith left Brentford to take up the role at his boyhood club and there is a real sense of optimism that he will be able to get results with his attacking style of play.

He will have to wait a little while longer to get his teeth into his new job, however, with an international break bringing a halt to the action in the second tier.

But that will not stop the Villa fans and one of their players has already been catching the eye.

Midfielder Birkir Bjarnason scored as Iceland threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with France on Friday.

The Villa fans who discussed the goal were very happy to see one of their favourite, if underused, players performing against the world's best.

Well, most were anyway...

[ad_pod ]