Oli’s got new play-off goal

JACK GREALISH was nine years old the last time Aston Villa lost a league game to Birmingham.

And he will be fiercely protective of that record as Villa’s captain when he plays at St Andrew’s for the first time on Sunday.

Grealish, 23, scored a 20-yard worldie and helped make another in an outstanding performance on his return from a three-month injury lay-off.

“It was a dream come true walking out as captain at this fantastic club,” he said. “On to next week now.”

Villa last lost a Second City derby league game on March 20, 2005 and in the 14 years since Grealish has grown from fan to Villa’s star man.

“Jack’s a fantastic player, probably the best player in the league on his day,” said two-goal team-mate Conor Hourihane.

“We’ve missed him, no doubt about that.

“Any team in the Championship would welcome Jack. He showed his quality and was a big part of the performance and the result.”

Grealish’s sensational volley put Villa four-up just before half-time after Tammy Abraham netted his 21st of the season.

Without him Villa had won two out of 14 games, slumping to midway in the Championship and going limply out of the FA Cup.

They are still six points adrift of the top six having played a game more than most.

“This win is a springboard for the Birmingham game,” said Hourihane.

“It gives us confidence going into that. Get a good result there and it puts us in good shape.”

Derby have lost three successive league games without scoring a goal.

They start a run of four home league games tomorrow night against Wigan desperate to climb back into the play-off positions.