Sanson has made just four starts in all competitions for the claret & blue so far this campaign.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard says that Morgan Sanson played ‘a big part’ in getting Villa over the line in the 2-0 win at Brighton and claims the French midfielder can ‘be a help’ to the team between now and the end of the season.

Sanson has struggled for game time so far this campaign, mainly due to the fact he’s been on the end of a number of niggling injuries as well as a brief spell out with coronavirus.

Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa shakes hands with Morgan Sanson of Aston Villa following the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City | Getty Images

placeholder image — Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa shakes hands with Morgan Sanson of Aston Villa following the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City | Getty Images

Since regaining fitness, though, he’s been unable to break into the side in front of an improving Jacob Ramsey and a consistent John McGinn.

There have been calls of late to bring the Frenchman in in front of Douglas Luiz who has produced a number of sub par performances and judging by Gerrard’s pre-match comments, it sounds like it could well be a possibility.

“I certainly agree with the supporters that said his cameo was positive,” claimed Gerrard.

“We were really happy with the job that he did when he came onto the pitch he made a big part in helping us get over the line. He used the ball really well and played tough for the team.

“Morgan is training well, he’s been the ultimate professional. I’m certainly aware that he wants more game-time so he needs to just continue to do what he’s doing.

“He’s up against the likes of John McGinn and JJ [Jacob Ramsey] who have arguably been our most consistent players since we’ve come in the door so he’s aware of the challenge.

“Having said that, we moved John into more of a six position and brought Morgan on and it certainly looked well at the time.

“We’re aware that Morgan can certainly be a help to us between now and the end of the season.”

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