Smith says loan deal is good news for Villa, Chelsea and Abraham

Posted Wednesday, January 02, 2019 by PA

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith hopes on-loan striker Tammy Abraham stay with the club and not be
recalled by parent club Chelsea.

The 21-year-old scored both goals in the 2-2 home Sky Bet Championship draw against rapidly improving QPR.

Commenting upon reports that Abraham wants to play Premier League football, Smith said: “Tammy has shown no inclination to go back to Chelsea.

“We are very happy with the way Tammy is developing as a player and as a person. He is very happy and you can see the connection he has the supporters, the players and staff.

“Chelsea seem very happy as he developing as a player and scoring goals in the Championship. For all three parties it is a win, win, win.

“So I would be amazed if anything happened to prevent him playing for Villa. But it is not in my control. If Chelsea decide to recall him it is up to them.

“In the conservations I’ve had with him he is enjoying himself at Villa and is developing as a player.”

Following a quiet start, Abraham took his tally to 10 goals in the last 11 home games.

He opened the scoring after 21 minutes before spirited QPR equalised through Luke Freeman just before half-time.

Eberechi Eze gave the visitors a 2-1 lead, only for Abraham to come to Villa’s rescue with a 76th-minute equaliser.

Smith admitted: “It was frustrating as we know it was a game we should have won. After Abraham’s first goal we fell away when we should have capitalised upon it.

“We lacked a bit of quality although the players showed a lot of character. It was a game which got away from us when we should have won – at 1-0 we should have kept the pressure on Rangers.

“Probably the four games in 10 days took their toll on key players like John McGinn and Conor Hourihane. Their quality was not as good as it usually is.”

QPR boss Steve McClaren said: “It was a great game of football and a great advert for the Championship with two teams fully committed.

“I was delighted with the performance of my players to keep producing performances, especially away from home.

“I was proud of the players as it was a fantastic performance against a star team.

“They worked very hard for each other to give us a platform. The two goals were excellent and I feel we deserved the result.

“We are hard to beat and we are getting better with every game. It was a thoroughly good performance and in the last five games the lads have surprised me, showing great character and getting results.

“What also pleased me was that we scored two goals and could have scored more.

“The firepower Villa have should certainly propel them into the play-offs. They have the makings and the players to be up near the top.

“It’s a long season and I think Villa will get stronger but I am just delighted by what we are doing.”