The pair came through the Villa academy ranks together as youngsters and remain close friends after Robinson moved to Preston North End.

And Robinson is keeping his fingers crossed his old pal will get a call-up to the England squad next month for the friendly against Italy.

The 25-year-old said: “We are best friends. He tried to give me a call to say 'come to Villa'. He is obviously a great footballer. I’m really happy for him at how it’s gone this season. He deserves an England call-up in March.”

And despite not returning to Villa, Robinson admitted he has not had any friendly jibes from Grealish for choosing to join Albion on loan in the January window – unlike former striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who he played with at Villa.

“(Jack) hasn’t given me too much stick yet but I do think it’s coming, definitely,” said Robinson. “Gabby, yeah. It’s obviously natural but it’s good. I came through at Villa and now I am at West Brom – it’s going to happen, I’m going to get a bit of banter.”

And Robinson, who is hoping to fire the goals to secure promotion to the Premier League for Albion, believes his old club will win their battle to stay in the top flight.

“To be fair, I think they’ll be all right you know. I think it’s going to be a struggle, but I think they’ll be allright.

“If Jack stays fit, they’ve always got a chance of winning games. He’s always involved in goals, I think they’ve got enough.

“It’s going to be tough. They’ve got some tough games.”