Aston Villa boss Dean Smith wants his star player Jack Grealish to get more protection.

The attacking midfielder has been at the centre of all the creativity that Villa have shown this season.

But he is the most fouled player in the league this season at 140 fouls.

And as Villa look to get enough points to avoid relegation, Smith wants referees to protect Grealish more.

"Jack has had a marker on him all season, he's had about 50 fouls more than anyone else in the league," Smith told reporters.

"The most surprising stat will be that there's only about five bookings for those 140 fouls.

"There is nothing Jack can do other than wanting to keep getting on the ball and running at them in the final third. The officials probably need to protect him more for sure.

"He's got bruises all over his shins and his side. But he loves playing the game, playing football and he loves Aston Villa, he'll keep going.

"One of the biggest advantages you lose is the influence supporters can have over officials.

"Chelsea certainly tried to nullify our most creative player and there was only one caution in the last five minutes. That influence on officials [from fans] is certainly what is lacking in the home games."