Lovre Kalinic was put through his paces in training on Monday and will be working hard to impress Dean Smith enough to get his spot back in the side. Jed Steer is Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper, having been called upon when Orjan Nyland and Kalinic were both sidelined with injury, and now he’s keeping his place on merit ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest.
Kalinic has made eight appearances for the Midlands outfit since joining from KAA Gent in January. The 28-year-old was a regular between the sticks until he suffered concussion against West Bromwich Albion on February 16 and has been forced to watch on as Steer has picked up consecutive clean sheets in the Championship.
Villa conceded 12 goals in seven league games that Kalinic featured in and shut out only one side. Steer has conceded only one goal in his last three league appearances. The 26-year-old may be Smith’s No.1, but he has an uncertain future as his contract expires at the end of the season. There’s a chance he could be retained along with Nyland and Kalinic, with Mark Bunn released.
Steer is expected to start against Forest in midweek, so all Kalinic can do is work hard in training and hope he’ll get another opportunity before the campaign comes to a close.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Pictured: Aston Villa youngster training with first-team, could face Nottingham Forest
