Kosta Nedeljkovic will look to earn Unai Emery trust at Aston Villa with Serbia
Dan Bardell believes Kosta Nedeljkovic has to earn the trust of Unai Emery at Aston Villa after joining up with Serbia for the international break.
The 18-year-old has been called up to his national side for the second time after making his debut earlier in the season against Spain.
This has come despite only earning four appearances for the Villans this campaign, being an unused substitute six times in all competitions.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell doesn’t think Emery trusts the right back and will review his progress in the Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace on 30 October.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I just think if Emery thought he was ready that he would be playing.
“It is great that he is so highly rated in the Serbia national team set-up and that he plays games for them.
“Emery clearly doesn’t think that he is ready to play for Villa.
“Let’s face it with Matty Cash injured, it would have been the perfect opportunity to play him. You have to trust Emery, if he thinks that he’s not ready then he’s not ready but he will be at some point.
“I think the Carabao Cup game at home to Crystal Palace will be important for him and it will be good to see what he can do.“
Kosta Nedeljkovic must earn Unai Emery’s trust at Aston Villa
The former Red Star Belgrade star is rated highly in his homeland but that hasn’t passed on to Emery and his team in B6 just yet.
Nedeljkovic certainly caught the eye in preseason with his performances coming as a surprise to supporters who didn’t know much about the defender.
Since then, his stock has somewhat lessened at Villa Park given that Lamare Bogarde was trusted at right back against the likes of Young Boys and Leicester City.
There is a chance for the 18-year-old to impress Emery on international duty where he is likely to feature for Serbia in clashes against Switzerland and Spain.
His chances of a first-team role have been hurt by Matty Cash’s return but positive performances for his country won’t do him any harm.
In other Aston Villa news, the international break has handed Emery a boost amid the latest injury concerns.
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