Rushian Hepburn-Murphy can spearhead Aston Villa’s attack if they aren’t promoted

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Aston Villa have a proud history of producing players through their own youth academy and the conveyor belt isn’t showing signs of regression.

Dean Smith has already highlighted a willingness to play the younger players if they are good enough.

He has also allowed some to move out on loan in order to get game time and hopefully challenge for places in the future.

One of the players who falls into such a bracket is Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Cambridge United where is playing under former Villa assistant boss Colin Calderwood.

Hepburn-Murphy netted his second goal for the U’s on Saturday. His overall performances have been good since arriving at the club though.

The youngster has caught the eye with a series of determined and committed showings for the League Two outfit.

Steve Bruce used the striker as a substitute during the opening exchanges of the campaign.

Smith had his own ideas, however, none of which included Hepburn-Murphy.

The loan spell is clearly doing him good though and he could yet earn a regular chance at Villa Park – especially if the Villans don’t get promoted.

Financial Fair Play is likely to come down hard on Villa if they aren’t successful in their promotion bid.

That could be the just the tonic for Hepburn-Murphy who will probably be offloaded should the club reach the Premier League.

If Championship football beckons next season then the academy graduate could be the man to spearhead the attack for Smith.