Hutton tips Aston Villa teen to replace Elmohamady and rival Cash next season | OneFootball

Alan Hutton has tipped promising full-back Kaine Kesler to rival Matty Cash in the Aston Villa first-team next season.

The former Villa right-back, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 18-year-old could replace Ahmed Elmohamady in the senior squad over pre-season.

Kesler captained Villa’s under-18s in Monday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup final.

He made his first-team debut earlier this season as a very young Villa side took on Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Cash has established himself as Villa’s first-choice right-back since his move from Nottingham Forest.

With second choice Elmohamady set to leave at the end of his contract, Hutton suggested Kesler could get a chance over pre-season.

Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “They want to bring some of these players through. Probably for pre-season.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a few of them involved and looking to be within the squad for the whole of next season. These boys have been trusted by Dean Smith to come through and do a job.

“I think there’ll be a few of them. You look at the likes of Kesler, the right-back. If I was him, I’m looking and thinking Elmohamady is moving on. I’ve got an opportunity to rival Matty Cash next season if I have a good pre-season with the first team.

“There are opportunities there. It’s just whether they’re willing to take them.”

Elmohamady started eight times in 14 Premier League games this season.

Kesler was on the bench for four Premier League games between February and March when Cash was out injured.

In other news, Aston Villa have opened preliminary talks to sign a 32 goal/assist star.