Grealish pens new Villa deal

Rising Aston Villa star Jack Grealish has committed his future to the club by signing a new four-year deal.

The 19-year-old academy product has made his breakthrough with Villa this season, coming on as a substitute in four Barclays Premier League matches and playing the full 90 minutes of a Capital One Cup tie.

For midfielder Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Notts County, he concedes the new contract with his boyhood club is “a dream come true”.

Grealish said: “I’ve grown up supporting the club – in fact, I’ve had a season ticket at Villa since I was four years old and came to every game – so this is a big thing for me and my family.

“This has always been a club that plays a big role in the community, it has a family feel to it and I’m proud to be part of that now. This feels like home to me.

“For the manager and the club to show this faith and trust in me, I’m really appreciative and I’m determined to repay that trust.

“I know I have to continue to kick on and push on now. I have to keep developing and progressing and strive to be as good a player as I can possibly be.

“Every day I’m learning from the players here and the manager, and it’s been a steep learning curve that can only benefit me in the long run.”

Boss Paul Lambert recognises Grealish to be a special talent, and is delighted the teenager’s future through to 2018 at least will be at Villa.

Lambert said: “There’s always an excitement around a young player who comes through the academy.

“But the thing is the potential we have signed in Jack Grealish is great for everyone connected with Villa.

“He has a long way to go in the game but the potential that’s in him, we believe, means we could have a really good player in the years to come.”