Grealish put his hand up for Aston Villa selection

Manager Tim Sherwood feels he needs to improve the balance of his squad, and the Birmingham Mail has reported that players such as Philippe Senderos, Charles N’Zogbia and Kieran Richardson could leave before the September 1 deadline.

It had been thought that the midfielder may struggle to get into Villa’s team this season, after Sherwood strengthened his squad significantly with new signings over the summer.

“He’s very much in the Michael Carrick-mould”.

Villa have 29 players in their senior squad but that number includes several Under 21 players who do not count towards their 25-man total under Premier League rules.

Westwood, who has started both of Villa’s first two Premier League games, has been a crucial part of the midfield at Villa Park since signing from Crewe Alexandra in 2011, and his manager has now backed him to reach even bigger heights.

“I would be very surprised if he didn’t play for England this season – he’s as good as that”, said Sherwood, according to the Daily Star.

“I think he has got every chance”. He played to the last minute.

But he escaped the incident without a club fine and is now set, after overcoming a hamstring injury, to make his first appearance this term in Saturday’s away game against Crystal Palace.

But while Grealish is set to be thrust back into the action, boss Sherwood says new £7million wonderkid Adama Traore, 19, is nowhere near fit enough after signing from Barcelona. “I think Jack is always looking for the flawless finish and most goals are quite scruffy”, he told Aston Villa TV. Carles came off with a tight groin which is an indication the lack of training he has actually done.