Jack Grealish wants to be 'driving force' behind Aston Villa's Premier League return
Jack Grealish wants to be a "driving force" for Villa this season after admitting he is desperate to help the club return to the Premier League.
The 20-year-old forward started just nine league games last season as Villa were relegated from the top flight and has been linked with a move away this summer.
But Grealish insists he is ready and willing to play a major role in the forthcoming Championship campaign, as his boyhood club target promotion.
"I want to be a driving force for the team this season. I want to be one of the lads that the others look up to and get inspiration from," he said.
"It helps with me being an attacking player because I can make things happen with goals and assists. I am not a shouter or screamer in the dressing room or out on the field but I hope to lead the team on with my performances.
"Me being a player and fan, it would mean the world to get my club promoted. I know the fans have been hurting big-time so it would be important to do it for them. I want to see them smiling again.
"It did hurt us going down but now it's about moving forward.
"I'm desperate to help get the club back into the Premier League. Obviously last season wasn't the best for the club itself and for me personally, I didn't play as much as I wanted to and I didn't really feel like I helped the team and the club as much as I could have.
"Coming into this season, I am desperate to help the club get back into the Premier League."
Grealish, who made his first-team breakthrough during the 2014-15 campaign, found his first full senior campaign ravaged by injury and off-field incident.
He was dropped and disciplined by manager Remi Garde after being pictured on a night out just hours after a 4-0 defeat at Everton last November. A troublesome ankle injury then saw him sidelined during the early part of the year and he was used only fleetingly as a substitute by caretaker boss Eric Black as Villa departed the top flight with a whimper.
Now fully fit, Grealish believes he has returned for pre-season in better shape than ever before, while revealing a summer phone call from new boss Roberto Di Matteo had been the source of added motivation.
"We had a really positive chat," he said. It was very nice to have the gaffer do that."
"It showed his desire to get started and put things in place for the new season.
"The manager told me he wants me to be a big part of what he wants to do this season. That meant a lot to hear that. I'm looking to do that.
"He has an aura about him. He was a great player and it wasn't too long ago that he won the Champions League with Chelsea.
"His accomplishments are there for all to see. I am confident he can bring success to Villa."