Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has been singing the praises of Jack Grealish, claiming the exciting youngster can become an international mainstay for England.

Grealish has been in scintillating form for Villa this season, drawing praise from fans and pundits alike. Hendrie, a player who followed a similar career path, now believes that Jack can go on to achieve great things with his country.

"There's always been that talk that we're quite similar but I think Jack's an unreal talent, I really do." he told the Express and Star. "I certainly do [think he can become an England regular], we look at creative players and you look at the Dele Alli's of the world and I think he can definitely be an England international for sure."

Grealish began his international career with Eire, but switched to England at U21 level. Hendrie was full of praise for the youngster's ability to beat players, but admits the Championship isn't the ideal stage for his talents.

"He's got stacks and stacks of ability, he ghosts past players with ease. It's difficult with him being in the Championship, he needs to be on show every week in the Premier League and I think people will start to realise what this kid's got about himself."

Lee Hendrie spent 13 years in claret and blue, playing 308 times, before a series of moves saw his career fizzle away.

Villa are hunting a return to the top flight after a two year absence, but in order to win promotion they're going to have to negotiate a tricky set of play off matches.

The Verdict

Jack Grealish is some way off being an England regular, but he does have immense talent. He's got U21 experience too, having switched from Republic of Ireland in 2015.

Whatever he does in his career, I hope he heeds the advice of Lee Hendrie, a once-gifted footballer who seemingly had the world at his feet.

He'll have plenty of valuable advice to any young player getting swept up in the crazy world of professional football.