Aston Villa boss Dean Smith says Jack Grealish can play his way to an England call.

Gareth Southgate said playing well in the Championship wouldn't get you in his squad. But he turned up for Saturday's 2-1 win over Blackburn game to get a proper look at Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.

“Some years ago there was Steve Bull from League One and he got in the England team," said Smith. “If the talent is ­drying up in the ­Premier League then Southgate has to look elsewhere.

“Let's not forget that Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham [Villa's on-loan Chelsea striker] have played in the Premier League, so they have proven themselves already. Now they are two of the stand-outs in this league.

“Southgate was here, which says a hell of a lot. It will give our English players a boost. I'm sure he will be sending some scouts to watch our games. England know all about them anyway. It just gives Southgate the chance to come and cast his own eyes on it."