By Graham Hill
TAMMY Abraham says he would not fancy playing against Tyrone Mings in Monday’s Championship Play-off Final.
The pair will be looking to make sure Villa book a return back to the Premier League at Wembley on Monday.
And both have been among the many stars in claret and blue this season.
Abraham told Sky Sports: “Would I want to play against him? No, he’s a beast! He’s fast, strong and very good technically. He reads the game very well and is one of the best defenders I have played with.”
The on-loan Chelsea striker admits Mings helped plug a leaky Villa defence when he arrived on loan from Bournemouth.
Abraham added: “It’s something we needed and in January he came in and lifted the team. I never fear anything at the back now, and I’m relaxed when he’s on the ball because I know he’ll find the right pass.”
Mings is also full of praise for Abraham who has scored 26 goals this season and converted the penalty shoot out spot kick at Albion to book Villa’s trip to Wembley.
The defender said: ”This guy stepped up with all the pressure on him and sent us to Wembley, so full credit to him for that because I was nowhere to be seen!.
“He has everything and he’s very difficult to play against. He’s a big lad but has such good feet for his size, and his goal record speaks for itself.
“He scores so many different types of goals. You know if he gets a chance that he’ll put it away more often than not.”
Mings says the disappointment of last year’s Wembley defeat by Fulham has long gone – and many of the current team did not play in that game.
He added: ”I don’t think if you came into the dressing room now that you’d know any of the lads were involved in such a disappointing day last year.
“It’s such a good mixture of people who were and weren’t there and it gives us a refreshed outlook on this year’s final.”
Mings added: ”If some players are still feeling the heartache from last year, then hopefully we can help them channel that into writing a new script on Monday.
“Throughout my loan spell we’ve always found ways to win, and hopefully that will stand us in good stead. Against Rotherham I was sent off and we played 60 minutes with 10 men, but we managed to come from behind.
“The West Brom semi-final was another one where we had to find another way. We weren’t able to break down a very experienced and well-coached team, so we got the job done on penalties.
Abraham said: “We never know when we’re out and we keep fighting until the last minute. We have a great team. Jack Grealish is a great leader, Tyrone at the back.
“We steer each other on and keep going, finding the extra energy to push ourselves.”
Villa Roar 