Steer faces a stern test against Stoke if Kalinic fails to recover from concussion

Add as preferred source on Google

Dean Smith has said that Aston Villa goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic may not have recovered from concussion in time for the trip to the Bet365 Stadium tomorrow to face Stoke, as per the Birmingham Mail.

He was withdrawn at half-time during last weekend’s game against West Brom and is a doubt for the game against Nathan Jones’ side, according to Smith.

Kalinic has apparently been monitored daily during Villa’s training sessions this week and Smith said: ““Lovre is following the concussion protocol so we’ll have more information on him tomorrow.”

If Kalinic isn’t fit to play, then Jed Steer, who came off the bench to replace him against the Baggies, will most likely be thrust centre-stage against the Potters.

Before the turn of the year, it seemed doubtful that Steer had much of a future at Villa Park. He was out on loan at Charlton but was recalled in December by Smith – which won’t have pleased Lee Bowyer.

But the importance of that decision could well be shown tomorrow if Steer has a rare opportunity to impress in the absence of Kalinic.

Villa need to turn themselves around or their season will fizzle out – and Steer has a huge role to play behind a defence that has been far too leaky this season.