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Coach Shay Given has tipped Jack Grealish for a bright future – but warned Villa and Ireland not to demand too much too soon from the teenage rookie.

Grealish made his senior debut in the claret and blues’ penultimate match of last season and hopes to be a regular member in the first-team squad next term.

Given believes Grealish has the potential to star for club and country, providing there are realistic expectations of what he is initially capable of.

The 18-year-old winger helped keep Notts County in League One during an encouraging season-long loan before making his Villa bow with a two-minute cameo in the 4-0 defeat at Manchester City last month.

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has already watched Grealish in action with a view to possibly promoting the under-21 star to the senior squad for his first full cap.

And Roy Keane’s imminent arrival as Villa’s assistant manager will give Grealish an opportunity to regularly impress the international coach at Bodymoor Heath each day.

Given, whose future at Villa remains uncertain, reckons Grealish is ready for more action with Villa next season, but is concerned the start of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in September could come too soon for him.

“Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane have been going to the games, but they haven’t found too many new players,” said Given.

“They have a real talent in Jack Grealish. He was in our last couple of squads for the end of the season at Villa and he never looked out of place.

“But he is still very young and you wouldn’t want to be pinning your hopes for the European Championships on a teenager. He has a big future and hopefully he will get more games at Villa next season.

“He is one for the future, but September is too soon for him.”

Given, who was promoted to a coaching role in Paul Lambert’s backroom team towards the end of last season, is keeping his options open about his future at the club.

With Keane expected to be confirmed as Lambert’s assistant manager this week, Given, who has two years left on his contract, could be free to concentrate on reviving his playing career, at Villa or elsewhere.

Given has repeatedly expressed his desire to play again and with Lambert giving Villa’s previously surplus players a clean slate, the 37-year-old goalkeeper must decide whether to stay and challenge Brad Guzan for the No.1 shirt or pursue a move to be a first choice at another club.