Aston Villa manager Gerrard throws down challenge at Targett | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has challenged Matt Targett to win back his place in the first-team.

Targett was immediately replaced by new signing Lucas Digne at left-back for the 2-1 win over Everton last weekend.

But Gerrard has been impressed with Targett's reaction and counts himself fortunate to have two quality left-backs at his disposal.

Gerrard told the Express & Star: "I'm the lucky one because I've got two top class left-backs. Matt's pedigree, we believe he's a really strong Premier League left-back.

"To have Lucas Digne and Matt Targett makes my life and my job a lot easier so we're delighted with that.

"We've set the challenge and the gauntlet to Matt to take the fight to Lucas for the position and during the month of February the games are going to come thick and fast so we're going to need two top left-backs. That's the way I see it. I'm happy with having both options

"The reaction from Matt from coming out of the team has been top class but we expected nothing different because he's been really good since we've come in."