http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jeq5qvr9ZWg&t=2s
Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham is itching to rekindle his relationship with new assistant manager John Terry.
Terry was announced as Dean Smith’s number two last week, following the sacking of Steve Bruce after a poor start to the campaign.
Abraham, who is currently on loan from Chelsea, is looking forward to being reunited with his former Blues teammate after several years together at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking ahead of England Under-21s’ 2019 European Championships qualifier against Scotland at Tynecastle tomorrow, he said: “It’s crazy because just a couple of days ago, I was sending him a message saying congratulations on your retirement, next thing you know I am seeing on Sky Sports News that he is my assistant manager.
“As a young lad, he always encouraged me and the first time I made my debut, he put his arm around me and he was excited for me. I’m so excited to go back and see him as my assistant manager.”
The Chelsea youngster also confirmed he was yet to speak to new Villa manager Smith since his arrival, although he had received glowing reviews from one of his former players and Abraham’s under-21s colleague, Ezri Konsa.
Abraham said: “I have not, I have just been focussed here but as soon as I get back, I will see what they are like. I have spoken with Ezri [Konsa} about his old manager and he said that he is a great guy.
Aston Villa will face Swansea City at Villa Park on Saturday, where Smith and Terry will face their first game in charge. The Swans are also a club that Abraham knows well.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at the Liberty Stadium, under the stewardship of Paul Clement and then Carlos Carvalhal.
Graham Potter currently occupies the managerial hot seat in South Wales but Abraham is looking forward to seeing some of his former teammates.
“I wasn’t there for long as it was only a loan but it’s exciting to go back to your old team”, admitted Abraham.
“It’s going to be a hard game, but right now I am just focussing on Scotland.”
When asked if he would celebrate if he was to add to his three goals for Villa already this season, he smiled and said: “We’ll have to see, we’ll have to see.”
The 21-year-old striker is part of Aidy Boothroyd’s squad that will face Scotland tomorrow in their final qualifying match for the 2019 European Championships, having already secured their place at next year’s tournament with a 7-0 win against Andorra in Chesterfield on Thursday.
Abraham was an unused substitute in that game but is hoping to feature in the game tomorrow.
He said: “I’m excited that we have qualified, but we have to end with a positive result. We have to continue that winning streak. We’ve got a fantastic team and I believe that everyone will go into that game not like we have qualified already, enjoy ourselves and have fun.
“I think every chance you get on the pitch you’ve got to try and do your best to take every opportunity. For me, we’re all happy for one another off the pitch. We just try and inspire each other, even if we’re not on the pitch.
“I think it’s an inspiration for me and a lot of the boys seeing a manager [like Gareth Southgate] who believes in young players. When you’re playing well you get rewarded with it, so for us, it’s only positive moving forward.”
By Elliott Jackson
