Aston Villa put in what was arguably their best performance of the season last weekend after they beat Derby County 3-0 at Pride Park. 

Goals from John McGinn, Conor Hourihane and Tammy Abraham gave Dean Smith’s men all three points on the day in a much-needed win for the club, who will still be dreaming of promotion.

And with a long way to go in this campaign, it is a dream that can still very much become a reality.

Looking at Aston Villa’s squad, it is easily one of the strongest in the Championship, boasting some quality players including recent goalscorer Abraham.

Abraham arrived at Villa Park on loan from Chelsea at the end of August and has made exactly the sort of impact supporters would have expected from a player of his calibre.

So far this season, Abraham has scored five goals in the Championship and under an adventurous coach like Smith, the 21-year-old should be able to hit the 20-goal mark just like he did during his last stint in this division with Bristol City.

With that sort of firepower up front and if Smith can address some of his side’s defensive frailties, then Aston Villa should find themselves in the promotion conversation come the end of the season.

The Villans’ previous boss Steve Bruce, of course, had a torrid time at Villa Park this term before his sacking as manager. But his decision to bring in Abraham was at least one very positive contribution he made to the club this campaign, a contribution that could end up being very rewarding.