Dean Smith hints Kalinić could be benched for foreseeable future | OneFootball

Dean Smith has hinted that Lovre Kalinić will be benched for the foreseeable future after losing his place.

The 28-year-old was signed in January to replace the injured Ørjan Nyland, but has struggled to establish himself at Villa Park.

Jed Steer has since been given an opportunity in goal and impressed, leaving Kalinić on the bench.

“I signed Kalinić because of his ability,” Smith told Birmingham Mail.

“I didn’t want to throw him in as early as we did but we had to, after Nyland ruptured his Achilles.”

“Jed got a chance when Kalinić got concussed and he’s taken it. He’s very vocal and has got a presence about him.

“Kalinić has come from a league where he was more protected.”

Villa travel to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, before hosting promotion chasing Middlesbrough on Saturday.