Jack Grealish: Aston Villa midfielder signs new contract

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has made five appearances from the bench this season

Aston Villa's teenage midfielder Jack Grealish has signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League club.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international spent last season on loan with League One side Notts County.

But boyhood Villa fan Grealish, 19, has featured in the first team this season.

"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," said Villa manager Paul Lambert.

"It's a dream come true to commit my future to my boyhood club," said Grealish, who has made five appearances from the bench this season. "I've had a season ticket at Villa since I was four years old."

Despite having represented Ireland up to Under-21 level, Solihull-born Grealish has yet to commit himself to either them or England for senior international football.

Villa assistant manager Roy Keane, who is also the Republic of Ireland number two to former Villa boss Martin O'Neill, last week told the Irish Examiner: "He's done very little in the game yet. People are getting a bit carried away.

"He's not started a game in the league for Villa, he's not scored a goal yet, he's not got an assist yet.

"If he wants to come and play for Ireland, we'll be delighted, but we can't be begging people either. If they want to play for Ireland, fantastic. If not, we'll have to accept it."