Tammy Abraham urged to show more fire and gusto to keep Villa place | OneFootball

Tammy Abraham has been urged to bring more fire and gusto to his game at Aston Villa, with Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Coventry City expected to hand the 28-year-old another opportunity.

ExpressAndStar.com reports Abraham has three goals in 21 outings since his £18.2million return from Besiktas last January. He rejected interest from Ipswich and Everton, telling Unai Emery he wanted to fight for his place.

He struggled to influence matters after replacing new signing Nicolas Jackson in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

“I’m looking at Tammy and thinking I would like to see a bit more fire and gusto about his performance,” Thompson said. “He needs to use his body and put himself about a bit more.”

He added he was unsure what the forward is contributing at present, and felt Abraham has yet to show he can be the main option. For now he sits behind Jackson, with Brian Madjo still to return from injury.

Wednesday is the first meeting between Coventry and Villa in 25 years and a big night for the hosts. Their 2001 relegation was confirmed at Villa Park, and animosity endures, with a hostile mood likely despite pricing that may leave empty seats.

Unai Emery regards the Carabao Cup as a distant fourth priority, but after a testing start any win would help. Injuries to Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres may speed up changes. Ibraham Mbaye, Matteo Ruggeri and Johan Manzambi could make first starts, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis in line for involvement.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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