Jack Grealish has admitted that Villa have to get promoted this season after comments from Gareth Southgate about the midfielder potentially playing for England.
Grealish’s future at Villa is still uncertain, and could hinge on Villa winning the playoffs and returning to the top flight.
Tottenham Hotspur chased the winger last Summer, but Villa rejected bids for the midfielder despite their financial woes under Dr Tony Xia.
Villa have relied on Grealish a lot this season, and the midfielder has been a vital cog in Dean Smith’s side going 13 games unbeaten in the Championship.
However, with Gareth Southgate revealing that Grealish will only be considered for England if he plays in the Premier League, there is again rumours that the midfielder could leave the club if Villa fail to gain promotion.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Grealish revealed that he understands where Southgate is coming from, especially about the gap in quality between the Championship and the Premier League.
I can half understand that.
He can’t really judge me against someone else in my position if they are playing against Manchester Uniteds every week and I’m playing in the Championship.
I’m 23 now and I’m not getting any younger. I want to challenge myself, I’m desperate to play in the Premier League and I want to play for England.
So for me personally, I think this is the year we’ve got to get promoted really.
Villa take on Norwich on Sunday, before they begin their playoff campaign.
