Keinan Davis has an uncertain future at Aston Villa as he’s struggled for form, fitness and playing time in the last 12 months, leading Kevin Phillips to believe he could soon be replaced.

The 23-year-old was out of favour under Dean Smith due to a lack of goals and is now sidelined with injury, so he’s surplus to requirements. Cameron Archer is enjoying a rise to prominence at Villa after impressing at youth level and Phillips is predicting he’ll step into Davis’ shoes.

He told Football Insider: “Looking at Archer’s progression and form, you would have to say Davis might have to leave if (he) wants to play football. That is football though.

“That is what you want. You want your young players to step up and Archer has done that. He has taken his chance with both hands. These young kids are full of confidence these days. It is great to see. Archer is a confident player who believes in his own ability.

“In my opinion, he has leapfrogged Davis. I’d have him third behind (Ollie) Watkins and (Danny) Ings. If you do not keep progressing and performing, someone will take your place. That has certainly been the case with these players.”

Archer probably has leapfrogged Davis in the pecking order. He’s made four appearances at senior level this season, scoring four goals, and could get more opportunities before the campaign comes to a close.

Davis has scored six goals in 85 games for Villa since rising through the youth ranks to the first-team, but Archer is only two goals from matching his tally and he’s played 81 fewer matches. The 19-year-old has a higher ceiling at Villa than Davis, so Smith might favour the youngster if push came to shove.

Phillips makes a good point and is likely to be proven right in the coming months.

In other news, Kevin Phillips says Wesley could leave due to Cameron Archer’s form