John McGinn is determined to help turn around Aston Villa's home form as Crystal Palace prepare to visit Villa Park on Saturday.
Last weekend’s 2-0 victory at Everton ensured Villa got back to winning ways, ending a three-match sequence in the Premier League which saw defeats to Leicester City and high-fliers Manchester City and Arsenal.
Two of those losses came on home soil, while Villa entertain the Eagles this weekend having won one of their previous five in B6.
But captain McGinn says confidence is high at the training ground on the back of victory over the Toffees - a fourth success in five on the road under Unai Emery.
Asked how important that result could be in terms of building some positive momentum, McGinn said: “It’s obviously been a run of games, you play against the top two teams in the division.
“And after that you get fixtures which are looked upon as more favourable.
“But we know from past experiences that if you start to think like that then you get stung.
“The manager has been strong on trying to improve our home form.
“We’ve obviously replicated a wee issue away from home, so our form away from home is good.
“But it’s up to us get smiles back on faces at Villa Park and give ourselves the best chance to finish the season hopefully in the top half and as high as we possibly can.”
McGinn was heavily involved in both Villa goals in the 2-0 triumph at Goodison Park – earning the club’s man of the match award in the process.
The Scotland international was fouled for the penalty that led to Ollie Watkins’ spot-kick, before providing the assist for Emi Buendía’s second goal.
It came in what was his second start after a spell on the sidelines due to injury, having initially made his comeback as a second-half substitute at the Etihad Stadium.
McGinn missed three matches in January after providing a crucial assist in the New Year’s Day win at Tottenham Hotspur.
And he has happy to be back in action after what he admits has been a tough season at times.
“The injury came at a difficult time because it’s certainly been a topsy-turvy season for me personally, not in my best form at the start of the season ,” he said.
“So, I’m starting to find a rhythm again in a slightly new position, a little bit higher up, which I was enjoying.
“Unfortunately, I got my first-ever career hamstring injury, which was a wee bit scary because I thought ‘am I coming back too soon here?’
“But the manager, at the time I wouldn’t have admitted it, seemed to manage me well; left me on the bench against Leicester.
“And then I had to come on against City and try to get my place back in the team.
“I’ve managed to do that, I feel in a good place, I feel as if I’m helping the team and, for me, I’m aware I’m 45 games without a goal and I was a long time before Spurs without an assist.
“So, I know I can contribute to help the team tactically and defensively, but it’s about getting those numbers up and trying to help Ollie score, trying to help the boys.
“I feel as if I’m in a good place at the minute, and long may it continue.”
