Scott Hogan dares Aston Villa to bring in a new striker

Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan issued a challenge to manager Steve Bruce: The club can bring in a new forward if they wish, as has been reported, but Hogan is determined they won’t feature over him.

Scott Hogan is finding his feet again at Aston Villa. Oft-injured and routinely playing deputy to Jonathan Kodjia and/or Keinan Davis, Hogan has started four consecutive league matches as he approaches one year at the club.

Hogan issued a dare when asked about the club’s prospects in signing a new forward this January transfer window:

"‘I will tell the manager, “Don’t bother”,’ he said. ‘If you want to get someone, go on. But he isn’t going to play because I will keep my place. I am not giving it up now.’“I will get the goals. Hopefully, they might buy someone and not need them.”"

Wow!

Those are some good comments, and honestly, it’s awesome to hear from Scott Hogan. It has not always been easy for the 25-year old. He was working a factory job before his non-league scoring feats reached a move to League Two with Rochdale. Two serious knee injuries threatened to derail his career at Brentford. A pair of ankle sprains and a stomach operation at Villa furthered doubt to many about how effective his Aston Villa career would be.

He’s taking his chances with help. The trio of Jack Grealish, Albert Adomah and Robert Snodgrass have been critical in providing enough service.

As for who Aston Villa bring in to compete at forward? Leonardo Ulloa remains a possibility. He was again left out of Claude Puel’s match-day squad over the weekend. It’s not a certainty a someone is brought in at all, but a forward on loan is likely. Then again, the clock is ticking, with less than two weeks until deadline day.

Next: Villa vs. Forest: Player Grades

I don’t know what the future holds, but if Villa are to reach an automatic promotion place, Scott Hogan is probably going to be a huge reason why.