Aston Villa news: Unai Emery discusses Jhon Duran form

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery hopes striker Jhon Duran can continue his development to be in a position to be a regular starter in the future.

Duran, 20, has scored three Premier League goals off the bench in just four matches so far, and continues to make a positive impact for the Villans in that way.

Indeed, if he scores another winner off the bench he will make history as the first player to do that in four games during a single Premier League campaign.

Speaking before Saturday's West Midlands derby against Wolves , Emery explained the development of the Colombian since his move to England two years ago.

"His position is growing up. Two years ago he arrived and the first season was not easy for him - but probably he was playing more," said the Spaniard.

"He had a difficult injury last year. He didn't play in pre-season and he started playing at the beginning of September. He was getting better and, of course, to compete with Ollie Watkins was difficult - but he had a moment to play and he did things and he showed last season at times [talent] like he is doing now.

"His talent is there.

"He is playing more, feeling confident, respect another team-mate how he is progressing and playing and having a good impact for us."

Asked whether Duran could start for Villa soon, Emery said: "He is close to playing in the starting XI and he has to understand as well how we can manage to play with Ollie Watkins - both in the starting XI - and to play sometimes alone in different competitions and different moments.

"But I am very happy with how he has started the season. The first session we did with him was very focused and now it is good to watch him playing, adding more minutes. Every minute he is playing, he is helping us."