Grealish’s return represents Aston Villa’s final chance to get themselves into top six

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Dean Smith has confirmed that Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish will make his return from injury against Derby County, according to the club’s official website.

Grealish has been out of action since the 2-2 draw with West Brom in December and has been sorely missed by his Villa team-mates as they have slipped down the table.

Smith said: “He’s trained well and is available for selection for the game against Derby. He’s pushing for a starting spot. The medical staff have had to keep a rein on me these last few weeks. I’ve been looking to get him back as soon as possible and put a bit of pressure on the doctor and medical staff.

“I’ve had to rein Jack in as well. When he hasn’t felt any more pain, he’s wanted to get going. But we had to nurse him back because it was a big injury. It could have been a dangerous one in terms of future injuries. I think we’ve done it right.”

Grealish’s importance to Villa has been shown up by their lack of fluidity since his injury and Smith’s keenness to get him back earlier than he has belies his quality too.

Villa find themselves off the pace in the play-off push now and Grealish hitting top form on his return and propelling Villa up the league is Smith’s last hope of getting the Midlands side into the top six.