Aston Villa striker Hogan must use international dead-rubber to catch Smith’s eye

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Denmark host the Republic of Ireland tonight in what is effectively a UEFA Nations League dead-rubber.

But for Irish striker Scott Hogan, this game means more than that on a personal level.

Hogan could use this international match as a springboard to relaunch his Aston Villa career.

With Jonathan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham preferred to Hogan up front, he needs to convince new boss Dean Smith that he is good enough to be starting for the Villans.

Smith knows Hogan already from their time together at Brentford but Hogan needs to convince his manager that he has not regressed since then.

Injuries and a lack of form have held the 26-year-old back since trading Griffin Park for Villa Park.

And Smith has used Hogan sparingly since taking over as Aston Villa boss.

The twice-capped Republic of Ireland international is chasing his first goal for his country and will hope to do so tonight against Denmark.

If he can get his name on the score sheet then that would help his confidence and catch the attention of Smith.

At the moment, Hogan could potentially be heading towards a January exit.

Smith has already let Hogan leave once in his career and he could do so again unless the ex-Rochdale forward can convince him otherwise.