Dean Smith wants to improve Jack Grealish

Smith says he can’t wait to get working with the playmaker after taking charge of Villa.

Grealish missed out on a move to Spurs this summer but has since signed a new contract at Villa which Smith described as a ‘big commitment’.

Grealish has struggled for form so far this season but remains the club’s most creative player.

Smith said: “Jack’s a young lad. He’s an Aston Villa fan like I was, he’s an impressionable young lad because of where he is, but he’s just signed a new contract.

“I’ve never seen a player who wasn’t happy when he signed a new contract.

“The kid’s happy to sign a new contract, and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He’s made a big commitment to this football club by signing that contract and it’s our role to make him a better player.”

But asked about what message he would give Grealish, Smith said: “I’d rather give my message to him personally, to be honest, and I will do, but he’s a bright talent at this football and one we feel we can improve further.”

Smith takes charge of his first Villa game tomorrow – which is now a 42,000 sell-out.