Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has said that Dwight Gayle’s sending off in the first leg of his side’s Championship play-off semi final with West Brom “will be a factor” ahead of Tuesday’s decider.
Having opened the scoring in the first half after pouncing on a Glenn Whelan error, Gayle was sent off for a second bookable offence in the second period after sliding in on Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer.
Hal Robson-Kanu is also suspended for the Baggies in next week’s second leg, but Smith told the Birmingham Mail that West Brom are good enough to deal with the absentees.
“It will be unfortunate for them because [Gayle] is a handful,” the manager said. “He’s a handful when we’ve got the ball as well because defenders have to be very bright on their rest defending because any clearance turns into a counter attack with him.
“He’s a very good player so he’ll be a big loss for them. I think it will be a factor because he’s a good player. At this level, I’ve said before, when he plays down the middle he can go and score 25/30 goals as he did with Newcastle a couple of years ago.
“He’s a threat when you’ve got the ball as well because he’s such an outlet for them with his pace and trickery. He’ll be a loss but they’ve got a strong squad so I’m sure they can deal with that loss.”
OPINION
Gayle will be a huge loss to West Brom, there’s no beating around the bush. His goal yesterday was his 24th of the season for the Baggies, while the Englishman has also chipped in with eight assists in the Championship. He has been so important to their squad his absence – along with that of Hal Robson-Kanu – means that Jay Rodriguez is the only recognised striker available for James Shan’s side for Tuesday’s second leg. West Brom already have a mountain to climb having surrendered the lead and gone 2-1 down after Conor Hourihane’s strike and Tammy Abraham’s penalty, but this will make it more of a challenge. But if this week’s events in football are anything to go by, then anything is possible and Smith has been quick to say that the Baggies’ threat in front of goal is certainly not non-existent with these two players out. It’s still all to play for on Tuesday evening.