Conor Hourihane could be Aston Villa utility man after fulfilling unfamiliar role for the Republic of Ireland

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Aston Villa will need to settle into life back in the Premier League as quickly as possible following a mediocre start to their campaign.

Dean Smith has overseen one win – a 2-0 victory over Everton – and three defeats during his team’s first four fixtures.

Having signed so many new faces during the summer, the key will be getting his squad operating on the same page as quickly as possible.

Some injury news as emerged today ahead of their next game against West Ham next Monday. Summer recruit Matt Targett picked up an injury sustained in the Carabao Cup win over Crewe but could be fit to return, according to the Birmingham Mail.

Given that it’s Targett’s hamstring then he shouldn’t be rushed back. The season is a long one and Villa will need him moving forward.

One man who could earn himself some game time at left-back is Conor Hourihane.

Mick McCarthy utilised Hourihane on the left-hand side of the defence in last night’s game against Bulgaria and poses the question as to whether his club boss might do the same.

Utility man

Neil Taylor is in current possession of the shirt at left-back but if Smith does need to mix it up, is Hourihane likely to give him a headache following his international exploits?

The answer in total honesty is probably not – it certainly seems unlikely he’ll play there for Ireland again, but it certainly offers some food for thought.

The £30,000-a-week (Spotrac) star is in possession of the sort of skills you would expect from a left-back. He is quick, has a wand of a left-foot and isn’t afraid to get stuck into a hefty tackle or two.

It was only Bulgaria but Hourihane actually looked alright last night – despite McCarthy hinting that he wasn’t keen.

With Targett working his way back from an injury that can prove problematic if not treated properly, the club must tread extremely carefully.

Hourihane seems unlikely to force his way into Smith’s team ahead of Jack Grealish or John McGinn and this season could be about getting minutes in positions less familiar to him.

One of those might well be left-back.