Tammy talk

Aston Villa's top scorer Tammy Abraham must be playing in the Premier League next season, according to a pundit.

Abraham has been a revelation at Villa, becoming the clubs first player to score 20 league goals since Peter Withe in 1981.

But pundit Ian Holloway reckons it is time the striker was given a chance to impress at his parent club Chelsea.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Holloway claimed Abraham deserves game time at Stmaford Bridge after loan spells at Bristol City, Swansea City and Villa.

“I am fuming at Chelsea," said Holloway. "I would have brought him back and put him in my team.

“Tammy Abraham, let's hope he plays for Chelsea next year,” added Holloway.

No cheat

 

Darren Moore has admitted Dwight Gayle is hurting after being branded a cheat.

Moore jumped to the defence of Gayle after the West Bromwich Albion striker was hit with a ban for diving.

Gayle was slapped with a two-game ban for diving to win a penalty in the midweek draw with Nottingham Forest.

The Baggies reluctantly accepted an FA charge of successful deception of a match official, although Moore stood by his player, insisting Gayle was no cheat.

“He is really disappointed to be accused of something far from what he is,” Moore said.

“He is part of the family and when one gets hurt, we all hurt together.”

Dan the man

 

Leeds United's chief executive Angus Kinnear claims the Whites were the "unwitting victim of internal boardroom politics" after they failed to sign Daniel James in January.

The Swansea City winger passed a medical at Elland Road on deadline day but the Swans refused to sanction the deal.

James lined up for Swansea against Leeds on Wednesday night as the Whites emerged with a 2-1 success.

Writing in his programme notes about the move Kinnear admitted that their interest in the Welsh international wasn’t over.

He said: “Absolutely. He will definitely maintain an interest.

“He was a player who has now returned to Swansea but in the process was very excited by the prospect of joining Leeds United.

“Once you’ve invested so much time in identifying the right player, it’s not something you give up on easily.”

Contract wrangle

Tony Pulis admits Stewart Downing’s ongoing contract wrangle is not an ideal situation and hopes it gets resolved.

If the Middlesbrough midfielder starts another game this season he will automatically receive a one-year contract extension. If he doesn’t, he’ll be free to leave the club in the summer.

Pulis can use the 34-year-old as a sub and did so against Sheffield United on Wednesday but can’t name him in the starting XI.

“It’s a situation that is not good for anybody,” Pulis admitted. “That’s an issue the club have got with Stewart and that’s ongoing.

“If you look at the big picture, then you just hope it gets resolved for everybody’s sake.

“But that’s obviously down to Neil (Bausor) and Stewart to get together and try to bash things out."

Stay Nai

 

Potential Birmingham City target Steve Naismith has been urged to stay in Scotland.

Blues have been linked with a move for the former Everton and Norwich City striker this summer - but his boss wants him to remain at Hearts.

The 32-year-old forward is also be said to be interesting Major League Soccer clubs.

Levein reckons a move to the States could tempt Naismith more than a return to England.

“I’d be hopeful that he is enjoying it enough at Hearts to stay," he said.

“My view is that Naisy is such a competitive boy that I don’t think he’ll enjoy it if someone beside him doesn’t have the same mindset. I’m not saying MLS isn’t competitive but I think Naisy’s character is perfect for Scottish football.

“I think something abroad was going to be the temptation. I don’t think England is of any interest to him and he did mention MLS.”