ASTON VILLA JACK HAS THE ROYAL FLUSH
JACK GREALISH is well on his way to becoming “Aston Villa royalty” after his chat with the Duke of Cambridge, according to Dean Smith.
Villa’s skipper has been back in full training since Saturday and is set to return to the squad tonight. It is a huge boost for Villa and England after the ace missed 12 games with a shin injury and had a setback last month.
Villa fan Prince William (right) even gave Grealish his seal of approval last week on a visit to open the club’s new high performance centre when he quizzed the ace on his fitness at Villa’s training ground.
Smith said: “Yes he did have a chat with Jack and the other players, myself and our owners as well. Let’s hope Jack can go and win something for us and then he will certainly be royalty. He is heading in the right direction.” Villa have only won three times without the star, who has six goals and 10 assists this season in the Premier League.
With Villa safe in mid-table there has been no need to rush back even if the attacking ace is keen to add to his five caps at the Euros.
Smith said: “All our conversations have included the doctor and Jack. The one thing I will never do is risk one of my players’ health or safety.
“Jack trained on Saturday and Tuesday and he trained very well.”
Suitors including Manchester City will be watching the £100millionrated ace’s return in Villa’s last four games.
He is under contract until 2025 after penning a new £130,000-a-week deal last week but agent Jonathan Barnett has confirmed there are “many clubs interested”.
Smith is forced into a change tonight up front with Ollie Watkins suspended. Keinan Davis and Bertrand Traore are options.