MX23RW : Tuesday, May 21 09:24:32| >> :120:3993:3993:

Dean Smith not expecting Harry Kane rumours to help Aston Villa

Dean Smith not expecting Harry Kane rumours to help Aston Villa
© Reuters
Villa go to Tottenham on Wednesday with doubts over Spurs striker Harry Kane's future.

Dean Smith does not believe Aston Villa can use doubts over Harry Kane's future to their advantage at Tottenham.

England captain Kane, who is second to Jimmy Greaves as the club's all-time leading goalscorer, has reportedly told Spurs he is keen for a new challenge after coming through the youth ranks.

Villa go to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday with Spurs' top four hopes all but over.

They now face losing Kane, this season's joint 22-goal top scorer in the Premier League, this summer but Smith expects the striker to remain focused for the final two games.

He said: "I don't believe so (Villa can benefit from Kane's situation), you look at Harry Kane and he's one of the top professionals out there and his sole aim will be to finish as the top goalscorer this season and he's got a challenge on with Mo Salah.

"There has been a lot of speculation but I've still not seen any quotes from Harry Kane.

"It'll be talked about, all clubs will talk about all the speculation which has gone on all the time, that's a natural occurrence. It's like going to the hairdressers and finding out some stories about your neighbourhood."

Morgan Sanson's knee injury will keep him out for the final two games with Matt Cash (hamstring) also having played his last game of the season.

Tyrone Mings' knee injury will be assessed for mid-table Villa after he missed Sunday's 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Fans will return this week with 10,000 expected on Wednesday and, while there are no away supporters, Smith knows they have been missed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Everyone is looking forward to it," said Smith. "The last year has shown how important supporters are, they are the lifeblood.

"I watched the play-off semi finals last night and the atmosphere was great in both stadiums.

"We've all felt it. We made five new signings in the summer and their family and friends have never seen them play at Villa Park.

"For the players as well, it's something they've been missing to play in front of their loved ones."

ID:448008: cacheID:448008:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3792:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Scotland manager Steve Clarke pictured on November 15, 2020
Read Next:
The leading contenders for a place in Scotland's Euros squad
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!