Fair play J'Lloyd Samuel

I think we're all aware that J'Lloyd has suffered a bit of flack in recent months, and I'm not going to comment on whether it is justified or not.

But what I am going to say is I think J'Lloyd deserves praise for his recent performances and his attitude.

For O'Leary's first season J'Lloyd was a consistent, skillful and excellent performer. Hence his call up to the England squad.

However, like a few players who've played under DOL he has suffered in form and has probably become disillusioned with life under the manager.

But that's now changed.

He's grabbed his first team chance by the scruff of the neck and showed why he got that England call up.

So I'm hoping the boo boys will now stop getting at him and let him carry on with his football.

I thought it may take a move away from Villa Park, like Darius, to get his career on track but he's obviously been working very hard to get himself back to where he was.

On his day, he is one of the best left-backs in the Premiership, but on a bad day he can create all sort of problems for his team-mates.

But once he hits form, there's no stopping him. When confidence reaches it's peak you begin to see the tricks come out.

I mean, how many times have you seen J'Lloyd make the opposing right-back look like a right fool? I've seen him pull off a trick or two no other defender has.

As long as he knows playing well will guarantee him a place on the team sheet then he can be a huge asset to us.

I think with J'Lloyd it's all about confidence. We all know that we needed another left-back because competition brings the best out of players.

I think he drifted into a comfort zone and Bouma has now force him to work harder and put in that little bit extra.

But now he's back to his best and as long as we keep his confidence up he'll be great. However, one bad game can detrimental to his form so I hope the fans stick with him now he's proved he wants to wear the shirt and he wants to be a quality player.

It's good to see J'Lloyd back and I'm hoping you'll agree.

Think J'Lloyd's back to his best or do you think it's just been a couple of lucky games? Comments to luke@astonvilla.biz.