View: Aston Villa youngster Josh Feeney could be given first-team chance after Steven Gerrard comments
Aston Villa youngster Josh Feeney could be given a Premier League chance this season after Steven Gerrard’s latest comments.
The 17-year-old has featured regularly for Villa in preseason during their tour of Australia and the Lions boss’ words could well indicate that the defender will be part of his plans next season.
Gerrard said, as quoted by Birmingham Live: “He’s a nice kid but when he goes onto the football pitch he changes and he trains and performs like a man.
“He’s come into an adult environment, he’s still a minor.
“He’s got a huge future.
“We’re going to develop him and shape him and polish him up.”
Loan move an option
A loan move for Feeney could well be an option in the 2022/23 season after making an impression during preseason.
It is crucial for young players to go out and experience first-team football, and Feeney could really benefit from a stint out in the Championship.
However, the comments by Gerrard could mean that the centre-back is being considered for minutes in Villa’s first team this season.
Featuring for Villa’s under-23 side as well as the odd cup appearance for the first team could be good for Feeney.
With guidance from Gerrard and the more experienced players in Villa’s squad, remaining at Villa Park could see Feeney develop immensely.
The future certainly looks bright for Villa with the likes of Feeney joining Cameron Archer, Kaine Kesler Hayden, Tim Iroegbunam and Ben Chrisene in all making an impression.
He is certainly a young player to keep an eye on in the future and based on what the former England captain says about him he could be an asset for Villa.
In other Aston Villa news, Steven Gerrard still has not decided on a new captain for the new season.