SportsAlex McLeish claims international setback for 'amazing' 25 y/o is a blessing for Villa
Former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish believes that Dean Smith will be pleased that Jack Grealish was left on the bench for England’s two Nations League matches against Belgium and Denmark.
Grealish no use to Southgate
The 25-year-old produced a stunning display during the Three Lions’ 3-0 victory against Wales before their two competitive matches, in which he was controversially left out of in favour of Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
Gareth Southgate appeared to bypass any praise directed towards Grealish after the full-time whistle and gave it to the Blues youngster instead, which upset large segments of the Villa Park faithful.
McLeish, who was in the hot seat at Villa for just one season, had his say on the Englishman’s lack of playing time for the national time, but thinks Smith will see it differently to the fans.
“Grealish is in outstanding form, he does that amazing assist against Wales and then he finds himself out of the next game”, he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think Dean Smith is complaining that he’s coming back probably very fresh and with good confidence in his head because of that good international performance that he had.
“The manager’s at home will have their fingers crossed that they do well but don’t take too much out of them, we’ve got a huge game, a massive game in the Premier League coming up.
“Dean rightly will be proud of what he’s done and I’m sure there’s more to come from Jack as far as international level is concerned.”
Smith then confirmed this after being asked about it during his pre-match press conference, stating that the “beneficiaries are Aston Villa because he’s fresh”, cited by BirminghamLive.
Huge boost for Villa
Smith will be hoping to maintain his side’s 100% record in the Premier League this season with a trip to Leicester City on Sunday on the cards for them.
After beating reigning champions Liverpool 7-2 before the international break and with Grealish putting in the performance of his life, it will be a massive lift for Villa to have him fit and raring to go.
Following his two goals and three assists in their last match, Grealish will be up for the trip to the King Power Stadium to send a message to Southgate about not picking him, after England lost 1-0 to Denmark.
It will be down to Grealish alone to do that. But with a tough test in Brendan Rodgers’ side ahead of him, the Foxes will have thoroughly prepared to cope with the threat that he possesses.
Villa fans! Do you agree with Alex McLeish? Do you feel that Jack Grealish should have been given a chance by Gareth Southgate? Join in with the conversation by commenting below…
The post Aston Villa: Alex McLeish says Dean Smith will be happy with Jack Grealish’s England treatment appeared first on The Transfer Tavern.
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