Aston Villa boss Dean Smith tells Jack Grealish to keep fighting his corner

Grealish was involved in an exchange of words with Burnley assistant Ian Woan following Villa’s 3-2 defeat at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

Smith explained: “Jack took umbrage to comments made by their first-team staff from the bench – and told them otherwise.

“I don’t see that as over-commitment, I see that as him backing himself. I’m quite pleased he’s got the strength of character to do that.”

Smith believes the presence of John Terry, a five-time Premier League-winner with Chelsea, on Villa’s coaching staff is having a positive effect on Grealish.

He added: “We’ve got one of the most successful captains in the Premier League working on our coaching staff and he would’ve done exactly the same (in that situation).

“I think Jack looks at all captains, but JT is one of the most successful so who better to take inspiration from?”

Grealish, who scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season at Burnley, had been unable to hide his displeasure when substituted for the first time in 42 matches in Villa's previous match against Newcastle, with his team 2-0 up and cruising to victory.

Smith said: "I don't think you can be too over-committed to a captain's role.

"I saw a disappointed lad come off the pitch against Newcastle, he wants to play in every minute of every game.

"In this game we have at the moment, there's probably not enough players who want to play in every minute.

"He's one of the exceptions at the moment and it's great to see."