Conor Hourihane: Jack Grealish faces tough decision on Aston Villa future

Grealish has enjoyed an excellent first season back in the Premier League, scoring a career-high seven league goals and putting in performances which have attracted the interest of several clubs, most notably Manchester United.

Midfield ace Hourihane, who has previously described Grealish as “too good” for the current Villa team, believes the 24-year-old’s first priority will be helping his boyhood club stay in the top flight, should the season resume.

But he acknowledges Grealish, who was being touted for an England call-up before the season was halted by the coronavirus, will then have a difficult decision to make with regards to his own career.

"Jack's obviously hugely talented, he's our talisman and he's had a fantastic season,” Hourihane told Sky Sports.

“He's been linked with so many clubs, lots of top teams around Europe.

"It's going to be a tough summer and a tough decision for Jack. Hopefully, first and foremost, he keeps us up - that is the most important thing for the football club.

"And then, whatever Jack decides to do, that's up to him. He deserves everything he gets.

"For me, he should be in the England squad as well because he has something that nobody else does, in my opinion."

Hourihane remains hopeful Villa, who sit 19th in the Premier League table, will have the chance to fight their way out of trouble on the pitch.

Dean Smith’s men were on a five-match losing streak in all competitions when the campaign was halted but Republic or Ireland international Hourihane believes the break, should the season resume, may have served them well.

"We've got an inexperienced squad for this level," he added.

"But I think when we come back, we'll have taken the first part of the season and learned from it.

"And we'll make sure that heading into the last 10 games we are in that second season syndrome a little bit.

“We'll use the experience we've got, which should help us get over the line, fingers crossed."