Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will continue to take a 'softly, softly' approach with Jack Grealish.

Absent for three months with a shin injury, Grealish came off the bench in the 72nd minute of Thursday's 0-0 draw with Everton.

He said: "We are really happy to have Jack back. It is small steps at the moment.

"He looks fresh. We need to go softly, softly with him but he just loves playing football. I promised the medical staff 15 minutes but managed to squeeze an extra five out of him.

"We have three games now in the next 10 days and we are hopeful Jack will be able to play a part in all three.

"Whether it is Tottenham or Chelsea we are hoping to get 90 minutes out of him. He is as fit as can be. He is a naturally fit player anyway.

"Certainly, when you see him in training you don't see a lack of fitness in him, that is for sure."