Aston Villa players visit soup kitchen in Birmingham as they spread festive cheer ahead of Wigan at home

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Aston Villa's players sacrificed their Friday evening to visit a soup kitchen in Birmingham and spread some festive cheer.

Despite hosting Wigan Athletic at Villa Park on Saturday, Jonathan Kodjia, Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew all attended and helped members of the charity Homeless Heroes.

All three players were joined by the charity's founder Javed Iqbal and his daughter as they served up three-course meals for those visiting the kitchen at Albert Street.

Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede visited a soup kitchen in Birmingham on Friday night

Gestede, Jordan Ayew (centre) and Jonathan Kodjia all represented Villa for Homeless Heroes

Iqbal spoke during the visit by the players at how appreciative he was that the club had got involved and were helping.

He said: 'Every life matters and we want to help as many people across our city as we can.

'We're grateful to the players for coming down and supporting us. We know Rudy who has been here to help a number of times.

The players were praised for attending the soup kitchen at Albert Street in Birmingham

Ayew and Kodjia both looked happy as they helped spread some festive cheer

'He is a great guy and so humble. This is just the start for us as a charity.'

All three players featured in the 2-0 defeat away to Leeds United last weekend.

Steve Bruce's side could move up to 12th if they can beat Championship strugglers Wigan who are 23rd.

 Striker Ross McCormack is expected to return to the Villa side after recovering from an ankle injury.

Jack Grealish trudges off the pitch at Elland Road after the 2-0 defeat away to Leeds