Will Aston Villa defender James Bree become an outcast under Dean Smith?

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Aston Villa defender James Bree has had a frustrating time since he joined the club in January 2017 and spent most of his spell under former manager Steve Bruce as an outcast.

But the recent appointment of Dean Smith wipes the slate clean for the entire squad and many have tipped the 21-year-old to break into the side.

The attack-minded right-back previously showed his qualities at Barnsley and has just needed time to adjust to the Midlands giants.

But Bree was left out of Villa’s 18-man squad for Smith’s first game in charge in the win over Swansea at the weekend and he should be alarmed that history could repeat itself.

Bree cost Villa £3million (Daily Star) when he joined from Barnsley and is still so young that he’s got plenty of time to repay that price tag.

But the full-back will not want to sit on the sidelines during Smith’s reign and is facing a crucial next few weeks to try break into the XI.

He has the pace and attacking qualities that should make him a good fit with manager Smith, but will need to nudge teammates Alan Hutton and Axel Tuanzebe aside to earn his place.