New Aston Villa manager has heaped praise on Jack Grealish and admitted he is excited to work with the Republic of Ireland U-21 international.

The 46-year-old was unveiled at Villa Park today after signing a deal until 2018 to replace the sacked Paul Lambert.

Sherwood watched Villa beat Leicester 2-1 in the FA Cup on Sunday and went into the dressing room at half-time to deliver a team-talk with the score 0-0.

The former Spurs manager admitted that he wants his side to "play with freedom" and told the media that he is looking forward to working with Grealish.

The 19 year-old has made 13 appearances for Villa this term, but only two of those have been from the start, but Sherwood believes he could play a big part in his first-team plans.

"I know him from youth football. I haven’t seen him on the training field but I know he is a talented boy and potentially one of the best young talents,” Sherwood said.

“He’s in the first-team squad at the moment so I am very excited to have a look at him and learn more about him.

“Everyone in the squad has got an important part to play. There won’t be anyone who is not included in my plans. It’s a fresh start for everyone. Whether the previous manager liked them or he didn’t, it doesn’t matter to me.”

The 46-year-old was praised during his short stint in charge at Spurs in the second half of last season, introducing the likes of Harry Kane and Ryan Mason into the first team. And Sherwood enthused that he will be hoping to have the same effect on players such as Grealish during his spell at helm at Villa Park.

“The long-term view for the club is hopefully to develop their talent, but you can’t do that if there’s no talent there in the first place. I’m not sure what’s there at the moment. I will have a good look. That’s for a later date.

“The priority is winning games now. I will be watching all the youth games, as I always did, because I like watching matches, and looking at players who are ready to develop, because you have to watch them over a long period of time.”

Online Editors