Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has praised Ross Barkley’s impact since his loan move from Chelsea.

Barkley has scored two goals in three appearances for the Midlands outfit and Smith believes the 26-year-old’s performances could see him make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros next summer.

Speaking ahead of Villa’s clash with Southampton Smith said: “He’s someone I felt we needed.

“I look at the Premier League and you need legs in your midfield area because you’ve got to cover a lot of ground in a game. Ross does that.

“He’s got ambitions to get into the Euro squad at the end of the season. With the quality Chelsea have got, they couldn’t guarantee anyone minutes.

“His work ethic and attitude has been tremendous. He brings us that added bit of quality that we needed.”