Monday’s 1-0 win over Millwall set a new club benchmark of 10 consecutive league victories and cemented a play-off spot for Villa, who have charged up the Championship over the course of their winning run.

Smith believes the success has in part been down to competitiveness on the training field, with every member of the squad eager to play their part as the club hunts promotion.

The boss explained: “I said to the players before the game on Monday that they’ve set standards and raised the bar. We need to keep that.

“On Saturday morning we came in after the Friday game (at Bolton) and 12 players who hadn’t started were outstanding in training.

“On Sunday, we had a small-sided game with players going nose-to-nose, such is the competitiveness.

“I’ve got players knocking on my door because they feel like they should be playing. When you’ve got that you’re on the right track. The players are taking great ownership of their own debriefs and what they’re doing. They’re improving as players and a team.”

The Millwall win was watched by Villa’s billionaire owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, who attended only their second Championship fixture of the season.

Smith said: “I had a chat with them before the game and they are really pleased with how things are going.

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“They can take great pride in the turnaround that they have helped at the club.

“We have full houses, fans in full voice and smiles on faces and we’re winning football games.

“But we still know the most important ones are still to come.”