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Aston Villa's England U21 star Jack Grealish has vowed to stay and help the club get promoted back to the Premier League.

Grealish has been the subject of much speculation this summer but has now spoken out on his future and his wish to help the club recover.

Speaking to the club's official website in Austria, he said: “I want to be a driving force for the team this season. I want to be one of the lads that the others look up to and get inspiration from.

“It helps with me being an attacking player because I can make things happen with goals and assists. I am not a shouter or screamer in the dressing room or out on the field but I hope to lead the team on with my performances.

(Image: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

“Me being a player and fan, it would mean the world to get my Club promoted. I know the fans have been hurting big-time so it would be important to do it for them. I want to see them smiling again.

“It did hurt us going down but now it’s about moving forward.

Below: Villa players in training in Austria - including new signing Aaron Tshibola and Jack Grealish

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“I’m desperate to help get the Club back into the Premier League. Obviously last season wasn’t the best for the Club itself and for me personally, I didn’t play as much as I wanted to and I didn’t really feel like I helped the team and the Club as much as I could have.

“Coming into this season, I am desperate to help the Club get back into the Premier League."

Describing the youngster as a talent, it is clear the new boss sees Grealish as one of the players that Villa need to spark their revival.

Di Matteo said: "I know all about him. I've done all my research on him.

"Don't worry about that. I'm not going to go into details about where I see him playing right now – that would be wrong.

"I think you need to give it a bit of time and you will all see.

"What I will say is that I think he is a talented boy and I think he has a future here.

"Let me work with him a little bit. Ultimately, it is always down to the person."

But do I think there is a player there?

Below: Gregg Evans on Villla's latest victory