"Given a go"? This is not playschool, it's serious business. Winning games is all that matters. I like the lad, seriously, but we are not Aston Carles.
That's not an attack on you personally by the way, just a general feeling of frustration I have with regards this subject. Perhaps it's me not understanding something?
I just think he's shown he is easily good enough for this team, and can seriously contribute to us winning games and scoring goals. He's been an absolute shining light in a terrible side every single match he's played for us, yes including Stoke.
I'm not saying play him every game all the time, but to me, he just isn't being given a fair crack by Tim, and that is a shame for Aston Villa.
In the diamond, he's the best player we have who can play in behind the strikers. Better than Zog, better than Grealish, better than Joe Cole!
Look how good Zog has been since being "given a go" and plucked from nowhere!
To reiterate, do not play him no matter what, in any system. In the flat 4-4-2 we played Saturday, I have no issues with him being benched, that was clearly the correct call. But look at the WBA home game, diamond in midfield, we were the better team and ended up sneaking the game with a penalty. By playing Gil more, when the game suits, I think we're giving ourselves a better chance going forward.
I'm hoping Sherwood will give him a go eventually. I'd be really disappointed to see him leave, and if he doesn't play much till the end of the year, there's no doubts in my mind he will.