Dean Smith joined the media for a ‘virtual’ press conference on Monday to discuss Aston Villa’s imminent return to Premier League action.

Smith’s side will kick-off the restart when they face Sheffield United at Villa Park on Wednesday evening.

Here is what the boss had to say - speaking on Zoom from his office at Bodymoor Heath - when he caught up with the broadcast and written press…

On the return of the Premier League…

"It is an honour [to be the first game], the eyes of the world will be on us and we are looking forward to it.

“The players feel comfortable and safe, and thankfully nobody at this football club has tested positive.

“We’re all set to go now. They are really looking forward to it, they just want to play football.”

On motivation…

“Everybody has written us off already.

“Our job now is to prove to ourselves that we are good enough but also to prove people wrong.

“We won’t have supporters and that’s disappointing, but the players have to come up with their own motivation now and hopefully [the fans] will see an improved Aston Villa.”

On Jack Grealish and John McGinn…

“Jack has always carried responsibility. He carried it very well before lockdown and he will do that again.

“He wants to stand up and take responsibility and we have a few more leaders who can help Jack out as well.

“He’s [John McGinn] a massive boost, not just as a player but as a character.

"He personifies the attitude that we want and also, he’s a top player.

“He hasn’t played for six months because of the injury, so we have to manage him.”

The Presser: Dean Smith discusses our return to Premier League action