OPINION
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must unleash attacker Keinan Davis after the break as he showed signs against Middlesbrough that he could be a potential game changer.
The 21-year-old has rarely been used this season as not only has he slipped down the pecking order in his 2018/19 campaign but injuries have also plagued him.
In fact Davis was making his first league appearance of the season against Boro on Saturday when he was brought on in the 76th minute, and he showed all the signs he could be useful.
The forward may not have got on the scoresheet but he played a notable part in Albert Adomah scoring the Villans’ third goal of the game and his physical presence looked like a problem for Boro defenders.
Davis also looked chomping at the bit to help his side and stake his first-team claim, which will only serve him well.
With the Villans still having a chance of making it into the play-offs this season, Davis does have the talent to be an unlikely hero in regards to that cause.
The 21-year-old offers something different to first-choice option Tammy Abraham, with a plan B always being nice to have in the locker, and he has previously impressed at Villa Park.
There was a spell last season during his 28 appearances where Davis showcased his eye for goal as well as his ability to flourish in the Championship.
While his form ending up dropping off; the fact he manage to impress across several games shows he has the ability to succeed.
Therefore with several of the Villans’ upcoming games looking must-win then Smith should look to unleash Davis as he could be an unlikely game changer.