Aston Villa midfielder Mile Jedinak has warned his team-mates that they must be prepared for a battle should they wish to be promoted to the Premier League next season.
Jedinak also believes that there could be up to 12 teams chasing promotion which will make things especially difficult.
The Australia international said, “There’s a dozens teams that are always pushing to try to get promoted and it will be the same next season. I don’t think we are under any illusions that it’s going to be easy going forward. It never was and it never should be.
“But, going forward, you want to see people take all of that onboard and bring even more next season to try and build this club and get it to where it should be. “I’ve seen our group grow, not only as individuals but as a playing squad.”
Jedinak is very experienced in the Championship having previously helped former club Crystal Palace win promotion to top flight football. Villa are expected to do well next season and there is no doubt that the experience of Jedinak will be important.
The Villans had a disappointing season in Championship after being relegated from the Premier League during the 2015-16 season by finishing in a lowly 13th position.