Gerrard: Mings is back in frame

STEVEn GErrArD has praised Tyrone Mings for his performance in training a week after leaving him out of Aston Villa’s opening day defeat at Bournemouth.

Mings was demoted as captain in favour of John McGinn 10 days before the start of the campaign, and then found himself on the bench against his former club. Gerrard said: ‘when Tyrone is back at his best and looks me in the eye and shows that he’s ready to play, he’ll get opportunities.’

The England defender had a scan on a thigh problem this week but was deemed fit enough to resume training and is expected to be in the squad for the clash with Everton at Villa Park this lunchtime.

‘Tyrone has trained really well in the last few days,’ said Gerrard. ‘I’ve had three or four different conversations with him in the early part of this week, checking on his health and making sure we got the scan

done and (found out) the outcome of the scan. But I’m delighted that he has trained in the last few days and made himself available for the game. we won’t give anything away in terms of our team selection but he is available for selection and he has trained well over the last few days, that’s all I can say on it.’

Gerrard chose Ezri konsa alongside summer signing Diego Carlos at Bournemouth and also left forward ollie watkins and playmaker Emiliano Buendia out of the starting XI. Both are pushing to be recalled today, as is midfielder Douglas Luiz.