Aston Villa boss Dean Smith happy to wait for Anwar El Ghazi

El Ghazi netted for the sixth time in the Premier League this season to earn Villa a 1-0 win at Leeds on Saturday.

It was the Dutch international’s first goal in nearly two months following a run of five in as many games during December.

Since then El Ghazi has been restricted to just three appearances but Smith hopes he is now back on track.

The boss said: “Saturday’s goal was big for Anwar. We took him off at half-time against West Ham when I didn’t think he played particularly well.

“He didn’t start the game against Leicester but got into it. He is a player I know needs time and he will come to the party.

“He scored a goal against Leeds and had some good efforts at the start of the game but also his defensive effort was really good as well.”

Villa, very much in the race for European football, will aim to record back-to-back wins for the first time since December when they visit bottom club Sheffield United tomorrow.

Smith must decide whether to keep faith with midfielder Marvelous Nakamba after his impressive showing at Leeds.

Villa are yet to concede a goal when the Zimbabwe international has been on the pitch this season and he has now started in three of their last four wins.

Smith said: “Marvelous has never let us down when he has come in. We have been having a good season and it has been hard for him to have as many minutes as he would like.

“But he is certainly one who has trained very well and when players aren’t performing well, he is one I know I can put in.”