Pundit hails 'ideal' Kerr Smith decision as Aston Villa begin January transfer business

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park.

Aston Villa have made the "ideal" decision in handing Kerr Smith a new contract before loaning the youngster to St Johnstone, according to Alan Hutton.

The Villans announced on their official website on Tuesday [2 December] that Smith penned fresh terms at Villa Park prior to linking up with St Johnstone for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old centre-back has previous experience playing in the Scottish Premiership with Dundee United, where he started his career prior to joining Villa in January 2022.

Smith has yet to make any appearances at senior level for the club, though, and he has not so much as appeared in a matchday squad in any competition yet.

However, he has been a regular for the Under-21s this season in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

A move to St Johnstone should provide the Scotland U19 international with a chance to get some further first-team experience under his belt, which Hutton believes makes perfect sense.

Hutton told Villa News: "That's the ideal format moving forward: you sign a new deal and then go out on loan.

"That's how you progress as a footballer - by going out and playing football when you can't at the club you're at.

"You kind of cover yourself both ways. The new deal is there and if you go away and perform, there's a view to take you back."

St Johnstone sit third from bottom in the Scottish Premiership and have failed to win any of their past three matches.

Smith's first opportunity to make an appearance for the Craig Levein-managed side is against Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup fourth round on 20 January.

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