Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has challenged midfielder Jack Grealish to start scoring more goals for the club this season, report the Express and Star.

The 23-year-old is yet to find the back of the net this season and also has just one assist to his name in what has been underwhelming opening 13 games for himself and the club, but Smith is determined to get the best out of him.

"He has not got the goals and assists that somebody of his talent should," Smith said.

"That’s for me to work on with him as well as the coaching staff.

“I invite the players to ask questions and Jack has been asking questions. He has got that desire to get better.”

Grealish signed a new five-year deal at Villa Park during the summer to put to bed speculation of him leaving the club.

But it has been far from an enjoyable campaign for the club so far and they currently sit in 13th place in the Championship.

The fans will be hopeful that the 1-0 win against Swansea City last weekend in Smith's first match in charge could be the start of a winning streak that will see them quickly rocket up the table.

The verdict

Smith is right here, Grealish really does need to start directly influencing games more.

He has never been a particularly free-scoring player but if there is one manager who can bring that out of him it is the former Brentford boss.

It will be interesting to see how many goals he has after a few months playing under Smith.