Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has disclosed his first impressions of Keinan Davis after seeing him up close in training on a visit to his former side.
The 23-year-old striker is a product of Bodymoor Heath, just like Hendrie, and has established himself in Dean Smith’s first-team squad this season.
Davis endured a tricky campaign, failing to score in his first nine Premier League appearances for the Villans, but an injury-time equaliser against West Brom a few weeks back got him off the mark.
In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Hendrie revealed the youngster has always had talent, and it was clear to see from the first time he saw him at Bodymoor Heath.
He said: “I went back, a few years back now, and I went in and just watched. It was actually when Steve Bruce was managing, and I watched the training.
“Kevin MacDonald was at the club at the time, and he was working with a lot of the younger lads that were certainly pushing for first–team recognition. And Keinan was one of those players.
“I went and watched a game. It was the first time I’d actually seen Keinan, and I thought to myself, ‘certainly with lots of coaching and guidance, he’ll be a player. He will be a player'”
TIF Thoughts on Davis…
Although the former England Under-20 international has put in some improved numbers of late, the jury is still out over his long-term top-flight credentials.
One goal and one assist while on league duty is a poor return, and Davis may have to improve on that tally next term if he wants to remain in Smith’s plans.
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