Villa manager says he wants to trim down his squad before September 1

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has tipped midfielder Ashley Westwood to break through and play for England this season.

Midfielder Westwood – who joined Villa from Crewe in 2012 for £2million – has recently signed a new five-year contract at Villa Park and Sherwood expects him to push on and catch the eye of England boss Roy Hodgson.

Sherwood compared Westwood with Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick and said: 'I will be very surprised if Ashley doesn't play for England this season. He's as good as that.

Tim Sherwood believes Ashley Westwood can break into the England squad this season

'He's very much in the Michael Carrick-mould. Michael is not getting any younger. I am not sure they have found a replacement for him yet.

'I think Ashley has got every chance. If he keeps on with his consistency and the level of his performances, I am sure it won't be too far around the corner.'

Sherwood also said he is looking to remove the dead wood from his squad before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

Villa have 29 players in their senior squad but that number includes several Under 21 players who do not count towards their 25-man total under Premier League rules.

'There are still some players here who know they can find other clubs,' said Sherwood.

Sherwood compared Westwood to the role that Michael Carrrick plays for Manchester United

'But I think the balance of the squad is getting a lot better. There are some encouraging signs but it's very early days.'

Villa could allow the likes of Philippe Senderos, Charles N'Zogbia and Kieran Richardson to leave before deadline day.

The club were boosted by midfielder Jack Grealish, who returned from a hamstring injury to play the full 90 minutes and score for the U21s in a 1-0 win at Derby County on Monday.

The 19-year-old could be available for Villa's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Midfielder Carles Gil also featured in the game but went off in the second half with a tight groin.

'The Derby match was a good workout for the boys. I thought Jack was very good. He played to the last minute,' Sherwood said.

'He looked fit enough to maybe be up for selection this weekend.'

Jack Grealish returned to action for Aston Villa's U21s on Monday and could feature at the weekend