Mile Jedinak speech powering Aston Villa in Championship final

WHEN Aston Villa take on Fulham on Sunday in the Championship playoff final, they’ll have the chance to complete a return to the Premier League and earn a $282m pay day.

And according to one Villa star, the words of Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak after a crucial semi-final win are incredibly important to the team’s chances of victory.

Shot stopper and Manchester United loanee Sam Johnstone has revealed that following a 0-0 home draw with Middlesbrough that secured passage to the final, Jedinak stood up in the dressing room and addressed his teammates.

The Socceroos captain boomed: “We’ve done nothing yet – let’s make this count in the final.”

Johnstone went on to praise the bearded enforcer, adding that his goal in the first leg ultimately earned their place in the decider.

“He’s been fantastic for us all season,” Johnstone told Aston Villa’s official website.

“But we’ve had a great squad who have all played their part in getting us to Wembley.

“We’ve had players coming in and out of the team, some playing out of position for the good of the team.

“The whole squad has been used and everyone has done well. That’s why we are where we are.

“But on Saturday and Tuesday, Mile was massive, simple as that – and he got the goal that got us through ultimately.”

Jedinak is expected to start in the heart of midfield for Villa as they take on Fulham on Sunday morning, with a gigantic $282m on offer for the winner, as well as a berth in the top flight.

The Aussie midfielder has made 27 appearances thus far this season, and contributed two goals – including his strike in the semi-final. His experience could prove vital in the decider, with the 33-year-old having tasted victory in this particular fixture before.

In 2013, Jedinak captained Crystal Palace to a famous 1-0 extra time victory over Watford to win through to the Premier League, and five years later he’ll endeavour to bring the same joy to his new side.

Steve Bruce’s side finished fourth at the end of the regular season while the Cottagers concluded their campaign five points ahead in third.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s team largely rely on the goal scoring prowess of young gun Ryan Sessegnon, whose exploits this season have reportedly tempted the likes of Manchester United, Spurs and PSG into a move for his services.