Dean Smith confident Aston Villa can still challenge for promotion despite recent slump

The 3-0 third round loss was the club’s heaviest at home since relegation from the Premier League in 2016 and extended a run of just one victory in seven matches.

Villa, five points adrift of the top six, resume their Championship campaign this weekend with a trip to struggling Wigan.

Smith was critical of his players in the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat but insists his belief in their ability remains unshaken.

He said: “Saturday was the first time I have seen a performance like that from the players. But I have no doubts we are one of the top teams in the Championship.

“Is the top six still a possibility? Without a shadow of a doubt.”

Goals early in both halves from Courtney Baker-Richardson and Nathan Dyer put the Swans on course for a deserved victory, with substitute Jay Fulton then netting the third and condemning Villa to a third round exit for the third season running.

It was the first time this season Villa have failed to score in front of their own fans and they now look set to lose 16-goal top scorer Tammy Abraham to Wolves.

But Smith, who has not entirely ruled out bringing in another striker, believes he still has plenty of firepower at his disposal.

The boss gave a first start of the season to Scott Hogan against the Swans, while both Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis came off the bench.

Smith continued: “We are certainly not short of goalscorers in this team, or short of people who are creating chances.

“I rested a few on Saturday who I felt needed it - Conor Hourihane and Yannick Bolasie to name just two.

“We have certainly got players who can produce fireworks, whether Tammy is here or not. We create chances. We feel there is still a lot of fizz in the team.”