Steve Bruce impressed by Jack Grealish in Aston Villa training

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Jack Grealish has made five substitute appearances for Aston Villa this season.

Steve Bruce has told the Birmingham Mail that Jack Grealish has impressed him in training since returning to the Aston Villa fold.

Grealish missed the early part of the season with a punctured kidney, but is starting to get closer to full fitness now.

The Republic of Ireland international has now featured in five of Villa’s Championship matches, but all his appearances have come as a substitute.

Grealish is now pushing for a start, and Bruce insists that the attacking midfielder is looking very sharp in training.

“It was good to see him back last month and people forget that he’s only 22,” Bruce said.

“He’s been around the block a bit but he’s still young and he’s training really well.”

Grealish is battling with the likes of Robert Snodgrass, Albert Adomah and Josh Onomah for a place in Villa’s starting line-up.

The 22-year-old’s return has boosted Villa’s attacking options and coincided with a strong run of form for his side.

The claret and blues have gone unbeaten in their last five Championship matches, to help strengthen their grip on a place in the top six.

Villa are next in action at the weekend, when they take on fellow promotion hopefuls Derby County at Pride Park.