Jack Grealish has delivered a passionate statement ahead of this afternoon’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final, insisting that it would be an honour to guide Aston Villa back to the Premier League.

Villa have endured a tricky two-year spell in the Championship, but after a fourth place finish during the 2017/18 campaign, they are now on the verge of returning to the Premier League.

After edging past Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final, Fulham are now the only team standing between Villa and a top-flight return.

Grealish, a local lad and boyhood Villa fan, has delivered a passionate interview with the EFL’s official website, highlighting his aims for the future and what it would mean to guide his side back to the top-flight.

The 22-year-old said: “I want to play in the Premier League with Villa, I want to do well up there too, and I want to play for England.

“I’ve been a season ticket holder since I was four. I’ve been at the club since I was six, so to bring the club back to the Premier League would be an honour.

“I’ve won and lost here, so I know how it feels — I want to add another win to that record.”

The playmaker has been crucial to Villa’s impressive form this season, featuring on 29 occasions in the Championship.

Grealish has three goals and six assists to his name during that run of appearances.

The midfielder will be expected to start this evening against Fulham, with Villa just 90 minutes away from a Premier League return.

The Verdict  

It clearly means so much to Grealish, and you can guarantee that the midfielder will be doing everything he can to get Villa back to the Premier League this afternoon.

The 22-year-old has had a superb second-half to the season and could be the difference this afternoon.

Fulham will be favourites, but unless they stop Grealish, it could be a difficult afternoon.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!