Gerrard defends McGinn after tackle left 16-year-old Leeds star on stretcher

Steven Gerrard has defended John McGinn after the Aston Villa star's tackle saw Leeds teenager Archie Gray forced off on a stretcher.

The two Premier League outfits took part in a pre-season friendly in Australia, with Villa running out 1-0 winners at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane as the teams gear up for the start of the campaign in less than a month. However, the game was overshadowed by the nasty injury sustained by the 16-year-old.

McGinn did win the ball as he closed down Gray, but his studs were up and he caught the Leeds prospect on the ankle. The Scot was seen apologising to the player yet received the backing of his manager, who pointed out that Gray had dished out a similar challenge earlier on in the match.

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Gerrard said: "We wish the young kid very well, hopefully it's not a long injury. John's got the ball, he's been unlucky in the follow through. There was one just before by the same boy on (Emiliano) Buendia and my heart was in my mouth.

"In the main, it was played in the right way. It got feisty for a short period, there were a few feisty tackles from them, a couple from us. You've got two Premier League teams who want to win a game. Both sets want to win even though it's a friendly. It's normal."

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch was none the wiser as to the severity of the injury, but was hoping for a swift recovery. He said: "We're hopeful that it's not too bad. He was in some pain initially but we're hopeful nothing is broken. Hopefully it's an ankle sprain and we'll see the severity of it in the next couple of days."

Gray is looking to break into the first team at Elland Road, with Leeds' season opener coming against Wolves. Their new American manager kept them afloat last term on the final day and has made several new signings whilst losing key duo Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha for a combined £100million.

Villa, meanwhile, are preparing for their first full season under Gerrard's leadership. The former Rangers boss headed to the Midlands halfway through last campaign and will now have the advantage of a pre-season and summer of recruitment under his belt. They've completed the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho and also added Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara.

Villa only won two of their final 11 games last term and former Liverpool captain Gerrard is out to prove himself in the Premier League, starting with his side's opening game away at Bournemouth.