Steven Gerrard fears John McGinn is trying too hard as Aston Villa boss responds to skipper's critics

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Upfront Steven Gerrard reckons John McGinn is trying too hard to impress in his role as Aston Villa skipper. The Scotland star was awarded the armband by the former Rangers boss after former captain Tyrone Mings was relieved of his duties.

But it's not gone to plan, so far, with many Villa observers noting McGinn 's displays have been below his usual high standards.

The former Hibs man isn't alone, of course, as the Villans toil near the bottom of the English Premier League with only one victory so far.

Gerrard has noted McGinn's desire to do more now he is the captain but he just wants the 28-year-old to play his game as Villa aim to back-up their morale-boosting 1-1 draw with a key victory over Southampton under the Villa Park lights on Friday night.