Lee Hendrie: Aston Villa star Jack Grealish can become an England regular

Grealish has been in sparkling form for Steve Bruce's side this season, and since recovering from a freak injury in pre-season has been one of the club's main focal points.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Hendrie believes that the 22-year-old, who also rose through the youth ranks in claret and blue is destined for greater things on an international stage.

"There's always been that talk that we're quite similar but I think Jack's an unreal talent, I really do." he said.

"I certainly do [think he can become an England regular], we look at creative players and you look at the Dele Alli's of the world and I think he can definitely be an England international for sure.

"He's got stacks and stacks of ability, he ghosts past players with ease. It's difficult with him being in the Championship, he needs to be on show every week in the Premier League and I think people will start to realise what this kid's got about himself.

"If he can add goals to his game, which I'm pretty sure he will. Assists, which he can do, I just think he's got every chance of making an international level on a regular basis.

"But unfortunately sometimes it's difficult playing in the championship and trying to get that England recognition.

"I know he's played down in the lower leagues and been kicked all over the place because he's got ability. Unfortunately, the lower you go the harder it is because people don't like to see people that can express themselves and Jack's got that.

Born and raised in the Midlands, Grealish broke through into the first-team under former boss Tim Sherwood, with his performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool touted as one of his best in a Villa shirt.

And former midfielder Hendrie feels that he's kicked on now under Steve Bruce and that he's beginning to show what he's really capable of.

"When I saw him early on when he broke into the side, he's got stacks of ability." he said.

"I think he hasn't done himself favours at times and that's probably linked ourselves together in so many ways. He's a young lad, we're all going to make mistakes, we're learning still at that age.

"I speak to Jack quite a bit, when he does well I like to drop him a message and say 'keep that up, you've got so much potential to be at the top' and he really has.

"I think it's really hit home with him, he's had a lot of bad press but I'm so pleased he's turned a corner and realised that he really can play at the top level.

"He's got stacks of ability and I think now people are starting to realise this and he's starting to realise that he can go and be a top player and I'm pretty sure he will be with the people he's got around him and the managerial staff at Aston Villa that can guide him and give him that kick up the backside when he needs it and I'm pretty sure his family are the same.

"The ball's in his court and I think he's really grasped it. I think he's been such a key player since he's come back from his injury to the club and he's been a joy to watch.

"I'm one of the first to tell him that because I still think there's plenty more to come from that boy.