Aston Villa boss Dean Smith explains why he introduced Jack Grealish in cup win over Crewe

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Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has told the Birmingham Mail that Jack Grealish made him put him on the pitch in Tuesday’s 6-1 win Carabao Cup win over Crewe.

Smith did ring several changes to his squad but his second string was still too strong for the League Two opposition.

Grealish entered the fray in the 68th minute and put the seal on Villa’s win with a well-taken goal from a Henri Lansbury assist.

Smith hinted that Grealish didn’t exactly do as he was told when he was introduced by his boss.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “I told Jack I was bringing him and he made me bring him on the pitch.

“The lads were doing some running anyway afterwards – the ones who didn’t play – and I planned to bring Jack on and brought him on for Jota in a wide right area- but he probably played everywhere but there!”

Given the importance of the 23-year-old to the Villa ranks it was perhaps a surprise for supporters to see him included in the squad.

Smith explained that it was always his intention, however.

He continued: “It was always a plan for me, 2-25 minutes to get Jack on the pitch. It’s a day lost for training if I’m honest for the ones who aren’t playing.

“We had five of them back at the training ground today and we worked them before the game so it was ideal to get Jack on during the game.”

TBR Verdict – Grealish integral to Villa’s fortunes

It is admirable that Villa’s star man wants to keep playing in every single game he possibly can but Smith must tread carefully with him.

Last night he left out John McGinn and perhaps that’s an indicator as to how important Smith feels the Scotsman is.

Villa won’t go down and perhaps having Grealish on the bench last night highlights how serious the club wants to take the competition.

It’s always wise if you are going to make a few changes to have something in reserve and that’s what Smith ensured with his bench.

The £35,000-a-week performer seems likely to earn international honours at some stage and he will play a massive part in any success Villa have this season.