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Aston Villa 2017-18 player preview: Mark Bunn

Mark Bunn has served a role the last couple years as Villa’s backup keeper. Does he still have a place at the club, though?

Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest - Sky Bet Championship
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Mark Bunn of Villa looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on September 11, 2016 in Birmingham, England.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

I like Mark Bunn. He’s a fine goalkeeper and seems like a pretty cool guy.

I also don’t exactly know what his purpose is going to be at Villa moving forward. Sam Johnstone is the clear No. 1 option between the sticks, while Jed Steer is probably a better choice as the No. 2 goalkeeper — both in age and, really, talent. Sooner rather than later, Matija Šarkić should break through to the first team, too.

Bunn’s a prototypical backup goalkeeper at this level, though; good enough that he shouldn’t hurt you too much, but not good enough that he’s going to be the reason you win a match.

Also, he’s picked up a knock, so don’t expect to see him on the Villa bench anytime soon.

Will there be a role for him to play this year? If it’s yes, that’s admittedly not great news for the promotion charge.