Dean banking on Jack
DEAN SMITH says Jack Grealish has “credit in the bank” to book his England place for this summer’s Euros.
The major tournament starts in just over eight weeks and the brilliant midfielder has again been ruled out for Aston Villa this weekend.
He misses today’s clash with Liverpool, making it the eighth consecutive game he’s not played in due to a troublesome shin injury.
Time is running out for the 25-year-old to stake his claim for the Three Lions squad.
He missed the three recent World Cup qualifiers and there’s no shortage of quality competition for places.
Villa boss Smith reckons his man could be out for at least a couple more weeks – but says he has plenty of goodwill with England boss Gareth Southgate.
Smith said: “He’s certainly got some credit in the bank and he will be back before the end of the season.
“We’ve all seen what he’s done this season. When he comes back he will be flying. Jack’s obviously got the Euros to fight for. The good thing is it’s not a long-term injury.
“He’s had a setback which will probably keep him out for a few more weeks. We’ll see how he is but it’s unlikely he’ll be back for a few weeks.
“For me, there’s no danger that Jack won’t be playing before the end of the season but how soon, I don’t know. He’s frustrated but quite calm.”
Grealish starred in the astonishing 7-2 humbling of today’s opponents at Villa Park in September.
And Smith knows Jurgen Klopp’s struggling champions will still be stinging from that and desperate to avoid Villa doing the double over them for the first time since 1993.
He added: “We got a victory against the champions that will be talked about for years to come. Now we have to try to get a double over them for the first time in a long time.”
SHIN PAIN: Jack Grealish will miss his eighth straight game
the season. He knows this is the business end of season.
“He’s been so positive in and around the place, he’s been great to have.
“He’s been working hard now to get fit. Hopefully we can keep him fit for the next six or seven weeks.”