Holman comes close as Villa draws

The Sydney-born star was in doubt for Villa's Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion after suffering a midweek knee injury.

But his last-minute inclusion against the competition's sixth-place side helped keep the pressure on in a 1-1 result.

Dominating possession in the first half, Holman had two shots at goal but was denied on both occasions by West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The first, a long-range volley, deflected only by Foster's fingertips, had the Australian excited.

"I was running to the corner flag celebrating, but he pulled off a great save," Holman told BBC Sport after the match.

A similarly close, tight-angled shot off Holman's boot came a short time later but was also denied.

"You're never happy when it doesn't go in, obviously," Holman said.

With Shane Long opening the West Brom account in the 51st minute, it was a long wait for Villa's 80th-minute equaliser from Darren Bent who came off the bench.

"You always have your doubts, but with the way we were playing and the amount of energy we were putting into the game, we had the belief and the crowd behind us. It was definitely deserved," Holman said of the draw.