Report: Smith is definitely going to promote 17-year-old into Aston Villa’s first-team this season

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Carney Chukwuemeka will ‘definitely’ be promoted into Aston Villa’s first team this season, the Athletic report.

A show of faith

Chukwuemeka is regarded as the best up and coming talent at Villa, and was used by Dean Smith towards the end of last campaign.

When the teenager was given game time he looked fully at home in Villa’s side.

Chukwuemeka caught the eye with a cameo against Tottenham Hotspur, where he hit the post.

And it seems that the 17-year-old has done enough to convince Smith that he has a future in the senior squad.

His first-team promotion is now set to be confirmed, and Chukwuemeka won’t be heading out on loan for more experience.

Exciting news

Chukwuemeka isn’t likely to be a regular starter for Villa just yet, but he may well be in line to receive more appearances off the bench.

His ability to take the ball in tight spaces and create for others has been clear to see at development squad level and even in his brief sightings in the Premier League.

With Emiliano Buendia arriving, competition for Villa in their advanced midfield squad is set to be fierce.

But Smith seemingly believes that the younger still has the ability to make an impact, in what looks to be a real vote of confidence in his ability.