Former Aston Villa player Alan Hutton believes Cameron Archer's future is within his grasp as he prepares to return to Aston Villa on loan from Sheffield United.
Archer joined Sheffield United from Aston Villa last summer, and the deal is said to include a buy-back clause contingent on Sheffield United avoiding relegation.
However, with the Blades officially relegated, Archer is set to return to Aston Villa in next summer's transfer window.
Hutton insisted that the upcoming pre-season will be crucial for Archer to impress Villa manager Unai Emery if he wants to secure a future at the club.
Despite staying at Sheffield United, where Archer has struggled to make a big impact, Hutton believes the player still has the chance to show his skills to Emery during pre-season training.
In an interview with Villa News, Hutton said:
“I think the ball is in his court. It was always going to be difficult to go to a team like Sheffield United and play well for him to take that step. They have always found it difficult this season, just like this.
“They were a newly promoted team that didn't spend a lot of money to keep up with the teams around them, it would have been difficult. I think the pre-season will be key for him.
“He got that opportunity and exposure to play regular football in the Premier League and now he needs to show the manager that he can do it in the Aston Villa team and do what the manager asks of him.
“Pre-season will go with the team and the manager will be checking him every day and it's up to him.
“If it doesn't work or the manager looks elsewhere, then he will look at his different ways but as I said, the ball is in his court.”
Unai Emery will be looking for top quality players
Sheffield United had a season to forget as they won 3 Premier League games throughout the season. They played in 7 draws and lost 26, becoming the first team to be relegated this season.
With Villa aiming to play European football, Emery will be looking to bolster the squad with proven talent, potentially reducing Archer's chances of finding a key role at the club.
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