Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
JACOB’S ON THE LADDER
DEAN SMITH is convinced Aston Villa will feel at home on Ramsey Street in the next few years.
Villa’s chief says England’s new Under-21 recruit Jacob Ramsey is in the Premier League on merit – and claims brother Aaron is not far behind.
Smith has pushed a number of home-grown talents into the first team since arriving at Villa Park.
But the biggest eyebrow-raiser was Ramsey’s inclusion in the XI that defeated
Newcastle at Villa Park.
And Smith says it is no fluke he is keeping big-name signings like Marvelous Nakamba out of the side.
Conor Hourihane decided to join Sheffield United rather than battle Ramsey for a spot and Smith said: “Jacob is a talent – I’ve liked him from the moment I came in.
“I gave him his debut in the Championship against West Brom. Since then he’s grown. Last season we could see the athletic development in his body. He’s one of the stronger lads now and he’s a very good athlete.
“He also handles the ball really well. I’ve had no qualms starting him this season, I thought he pretty much changed the game when he came on at half-time at Watford.
“Such is his talent that I think he’s ready for the Premier League.”
Ramsey’s campaign has got off to a flier.
Within days of his first start against the Magpies came news that he had been called up to Lee Carsley’s first England Under-21 squad.
Smith said: “The call-up is deserved. He’s under 21 and is in on merit. The kid’s got talent.”
Smith is developing a reputation for pushing through talented graduates from Villa’s academy. Jack Grealish thrived under his leadership – turning into a player Manchester City paid £100million for this summer.
Ramsey’s younger brother Aaron was on the bench against Brentford, with teenagers Carney Chukwuemeka and Jaden Philogene-Bidace both given game-time.
Smith said: “Jacob’s brother is not far behind him. He’s a pretty special player. One of my big surprises this summer is that he hasn’t been the subject of too many approaches from clubs to take him on loan. He’s very highly thought of, not only at Aston Villa but also in the England set-up.”