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Dean Smith keen to help Henri Lansbury toughen up after Aston Villa star's latest setback

Dean Smith has vowed to help Henri Lansbury toughen up after the midfielder’s latest injury setback.

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Lansbury, who has been limited to just three appearances this season, is again sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Boss Smith admits to feeling ‘starved’ of a player he believes could have a big impact – if only he could stay fit.

He said: “Henri is a strong lad mentally and he’ll come through it.

“But we have to build him up and make sure he becomes more of a robust character and player. We can’t afford to have him breaking down anymore.

“He’s a talented player. I remember him at Nottingham Forest, and he was a key player for them, making key runs and scoring goals.

“Just in the short time I’ve been here he’s broken down twice. We need to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

Lansbury initially suffered the injury during an eight-minute substitute appearance in November’s 4-2 derby win over Blues.

He returned for an impressive cameo in this month’s 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Swansea before aggravating the problem.

“It’s certainly a setback for him and us, because he came on in the Swansea game and looked very good,” continued Smith.

“He played in a behind closed doors friendly, because I didn’t feel he was ready to start. He then played two under-23 games and we got him into the game against Birmingham.

“Unfortunately, that’s when he felt his hamstring. I know what qualities he brings, and that’s why I’m feeling a little bit starved of him at the moment.”

Smith will also give Kortney Hause time to build match fitness following his loan switch from Wolves. The 23-year-old struggled after being brought on as a substitute in last weekend’s loss at Wigan.

“We need to build him up,” said Smith. “I take full responsibility for throwing him on, making a triple substitution maybe wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made but I needed to try and change the game.”