Tammy Abraham hails Jack Grealish after Aston Villa fight back to seize advantage in West Brom play-off showdown

After Dwight Gayle had opened the scoring for the Baggies, skipper Grealish was kept quiet by a resolute and organised visiting defence until setting up Conor Hourihane to bring Villa level with 15 minutes to go.

He was then fouled for the penalty which Abraham then scored to give Dean Smith’s men the advantage heading into tomorrow’s second leg at The Hawthorns.

Villa have now not tasted defeat with Grealish in the team since October 26 and Abraham said: “For us it is a massive bonus to have someone like Jack in the team.

“I don't think he ever runs out of breath – he keeps going.

“He always believes and tries to encourage everyone – even until the last minute. It is always nice to have that behind you.

“I always think to myself does he ever get tired? Someone like him gets the ball and he keeps going and keeps going.

“He is a fantastic player and you don't question why he is a leader. His ability says it all. He is such a good leader as well.”

Chelsea loanee Abraham, back in the team after missing three games with a shoulder injury, netted his 26th goal of the season from the spot after Grealish had been brought down by Kieran Gibbs.

The striker turned down the chance to join Wolves in January and admitted Grealish, who missed three months of the season through injury, played a part in his decision.

“I always knew this was the place I wanted to be,” he said. “Even though we had a tough spell in the middle of the season, Jack said: ‘Just wait until I get back fit, we will be on the up again’.

“I believed it. we have a fantastic squad here and we just keep going.

“I will just try and help the team as much as I can and if we win the game I am more than pleased.

“I will just support the team and do my best.

“It has been a fantastic season, I have to give all the credit to all the fans and everyone at Aston Villa – the players and the staff.

“Everyone has supported me and believed in me. When people believe in you it gives you that extra confidence.”

Abraham has now scored six of the seven penalties he has taken this season after holding his nerve to beat Sam Johnstone from the spot.

He said: “To be honest, the boys were asking me if I was scared. But I wasn't.

“I just focused on the keeper thinking ‘it is me and you here’. I have been taking a few penalties in training and practising my technique. There is no better place to try it than here.

He went on: “We have positives moving into the next game but the job is not done yet, we are only halfway there.

“We just have to stay focused, patient and go into the next game as though it is 0-0. We want to attack the game like we want to go for the win again.”