GREALISH KO STUNS BRUCE

STEVE BRUCE was planning to build his Aston Villa side around Jack Grealish until the youngster’s freak injury.

Grealish remains in hospital having had surgery for kidney damage on Sunday and may not play again this year. The 21-year-old came off in the second half of Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Watford complaining of severe pain to his ribs and hip following a clash with Tom Cleverley.

“We’re disappointed with the injury to Jack, for his well-being as much as anything,” said Villa boss Bruce.

“He’s still in hospital and things aren’t great. He’s poorly at the minute. I went to see him on Monday. “We hope he has a speedy recovery. Losing him is a blow to us.

“My system in pre-season was geared around Grealish and how to get the best out of him. He came back flying, which was good to see.” Bruce (above) must now change his plans ahead of Saturday’s curtain raiser at home to Hull. He is already without last season’s top scorer Jonathan Kodjia, whose recovery from a broken ankle is expected to take until September.