Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn issues rallying cry ahead of derby clash
John McGinn has called on Villa to kickstart a strong finish to the season by beating Albion on Sunday.
Dean Smith’s team head into the derby having won only two of their last 10 Premier League matches.
Villa, whose excellent start to the campaign had supporters dreaming of Europe, are now at risk of missing out on a top-half finish.
Midfielder McGinn said: “We don’t want the season to peter out. We have been fantastic overall and it has been disappointing post-Christmas for a number of reasons. But there is a determination to finish as high as we can.
“Starting Sunday it is important we do that for ourselves, the staff and the supporters at home.”
Wednesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City was Villa’s third in four matches and McGinn admitted they did not push the Premier League leaders hard enough.
He added: “There is a togetherness and we are always going to work hard.
“But we need more sharpness, to move the ball quicker and be better on it, myself included. Everyone needs to improve if we want to take Villa to the next level. We are fully aware of that.”
McGinn, meanwhile, revealed Matty Cash had apologised to team-mates for his sending-off against City. The right-back was dismissed for picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, costing Villa a man advantage after John Stones had earlier seen red for the visitors.
“Cashy has been different class all season and will learn from it,” said McGinn.
“I think he forgot he was already on a yellow. The referee was always going to try and even it up at some point. That is the way football works.
“Cashy knows that, he has apologised but there was no need for that.”
