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Jack Grealish hands Aston Villa fitness boost ahead of Birmingham clash

Monday 23 October 2017 22:35, UK

Jack Grealish looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Huddersfield Twon
Image: Jack Grealish could be in line to return for Aston Villa against Birmingham on Sunday

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has proved his fitness to Steve Bruce and could be in line for a first-team return in the Second City Derby.

The midfielder, who has not played at all this season, came through 88 minutes of Villa's Under 23's game at Reading on Monday tonight and his sights are now set on the game against Birmingham on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

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Grealish suffered a freak injury in a clash with Tom Cleverley during Villa's final pre-season game against Watford at the end of July.

The 22-year-old had to be taken to hospital after the incident and was forced to have kidney surgery.

Aston Villa's Jack Grealish before going off injured during the Graham Taylor tribute match at Villa Park, Birmingham.
Image: Grealish has not played for Villa's first team since his freak injury during the Graham Taylor tribute match in July

Steve Bruce initially feared he would be out for more than three months but after making his comeback against Wolves in an Under-23 game last week, Grealish came through another test at Reading unscathed.

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Local boy Grealish will be desperate to play a part against Villa's local rivals. Villa are fifth in the Championship after a 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday while Birmingham are one place and one point above the bottom three.

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