Aston Villa boss Dean Smith: Tough cookie Conor Hourihane can handle criticism

Hourihane felt the force of fan frustrations when he was substituted an hour into last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Albion at Villa Park.

The 28-year-old, who has more assists this season than any other player at the club, has experienced a difficult few weeks as Villa’s form has slumped.

But Smith, left with a paucity of options in midfield due to injuries and suspensions, believes he has the character to come through it.

“We have all been supporters and had favourites and others you don’t like,” said the boss.

“There will always be different opinions. That happens and is the nature of sport.

“All Conor can do is roll his sleeves up and keep working hard. He is our top assist maker this season.

“Probably against West Brom he wasn’t having his best 10 or 15 minutes, hence I brought him off.

“But he is 28-years-old and experienced enough. He knows when he playing well and when he is not and what he has to do to come out of that.

“He is a hard worker, that is for sure. He has got where he is by hard work and will continue to do that. He appears to be a steady character. I don’t see any problems there.”

Smith, meanwhile, has spoken to John McGinn about his discipline after the midfielder picked up his 10th booking of the season against the Baggies, along with a two-match ban.

The boss quipped: “John has actually improved, I think he got 19 (bookings) at Hibs last season!

“We should have had an idea of the kind of player we were getting. We can’t let him lose his enthusiasm. I spoke to him about it and his discipline.”