By Phil Jennings
AHMED Elmohamady is desperate to avoid the ‘pain’ caused by last year’s Championship Play-Off final defeat by Fulham.
Villa return to Wembley on Monday for the second successive season and looking to book a return back to the Premier League.
But Egypt international Elmohamady says the despair of 12 months ago has only made Villa stronger.
Villa lost last season with Steve Bruce in charge but Smith watched the game on TV in the States and knows what the players went through.
Elmohamady told the club’s official website: “This year we have to get it right and get the club back to the Premier League. It’s so important for everyone.
“Last season was so disappointing. Hopefully now this is our time. When you go through defeat and you see the pain for all those fans, it makes you stronger and more determined to go out there and put it right. It’s what this club deserves.
“It’s a massive summer for me personally with this Play-Off Final and an African Cup of Nations on home soil in Egypt. We can’t wait for Monday. Everyone is excited for it. We’re going for it.”
Villa Roar 