Grealish can become ‘world-class’

Alan Hutton has hailed his Aston Villa team-mate Jack Grealish by claiming the Ireland U21 winger can become "world-class".

Grealish, who turned 19 earlier this month, has caught the eye with some dazzling cameos during Villa’s stellar start to the Premier League campaign.

Grealish came on as an interval substitute against Arsenal last weekend and will hope to make his first league start against league leaders Chelsea on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho’s Blues are amongst a clutch of top clubs keen on the teenager, who is in his final season under contract at Villa.

Grealish’s international future is also uncertain after he declined an invite from Martin O’Neill into the Ireland senior squad for the games against Oman and Gibraltar three weeks ago.

Villa defender Hutton is not surprised at the clamour for Grealish’s services, given the regard he holds the youngster in.

The Scot was at Tottenham Hotspur during Gareth Bale’s ascent towards his €100m move to Real Madrid and sees similarities in Grealish.

“Jack has everything to progress into a world-class player,” said Hutton.

“For someone of his young age, he’s got unbelievable talent and has been well able for the Premier League. He’s got a different style to Gareth (Bale) but is similar in how down to earth he is.

“If he keeps going as he’s done lately, Jack has a big future in the game.”

Hutton believes the season Grealish spent on loan at Notts County was integral to his rise, hardening him for the type of robust treatment he received in the win over Hull City.

“It’s not like Jack has come in out of nowhere, he’s done it the right way by going out on loan to develop,” said the Glaswegian.

“He doesn’t need protecting from us older players because he’s very able to cope.”

Grealish’s decision to mull over his international future, amid interest from his homeland of England, will spare Hutton the pain of potentially marking him in Scotland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Ireland on November 14.

Gordon Strachan’s right-back will, however, likely joust with Ireland’s record goalscorer Robbie Keane — a man he knows well from their time together at Tottenham and Villa.

The 29-year-old said: “I’ve never played against Robbie, so it’s a game we’re both looking forward to.

“It will be good to see Robbie again as I’ve not seen him since he moved abroad.”

Also in the opposing corner for the Celtic clash will be Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane, a man he’s grown to admire over the past three months by working under him at club level.

“Roy has freshened things up by coming into the club with a lot of new ideas,” explained the former Rangers defender. “He’s such a calming influence, which is what we need during a very tough Premier League campaign.

“The game against Ireland with be difficult but, after how well we played against Germany in the group opener, we can cause all the teams in the group problems. After losing that game, it’s important we bounce back by beating Georgia at home next month. They showed against Ireland that they’re no mugs and I think this group will all go all the way because teams are sure to take points off each other.”