Jack Grealish has signed a four-year deal at Aston Villa. The 19-year-old academy product has made his breakthrough this season, coming on as a substitute in four Premier League matches and playing the full 90 minutes of a Capital One Cup tie. “I’ve grown up supporting the club. In fact I’ve had a season ticket at Villa since I was four years old and came to every game so this is a big thing for me and my family,” the midfielder said. “This has always been a club that plays a big role in the community, it has a family feel to it and I’m proud to be part of that now. This feels like home to me.

“For the manager and the club to show this faith and trust in me, I’m really appreciative and I’m determined to repay that trust.

“I know I have to continue to kick on and push on now. I have to keep developing and progressing and strive to be as good a player as I can possibly be.

“Every day I’m learning from the players here and the manager, and that can only benefit me in the long run.”

Paul Lambert feels that Grealish has a special talent and is delighted the teenager’s future has been secured. “There’s always an excitement around a young player who comes through the academy,” the manager said. “But the thing is the potential we have signed in Jack Grealish is great for everyone connected with Villa. He has a long way to go in the game but the potential that’s in him, we believe, means we could have a really good player in the years to come.”