Jack Grealish to play for Aston Villa reserves

Banished midfielder likely to return as Remi Garde aims to avoid relapse

Jack Grealish has a chance to get back in good books at Aston Villa. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA.
Jack Grealish has a chance to get back in good books at Aston Villa. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA.

If Jack Grealish refrains from doing anything to annoy Remi Garde during – and after – his outing for Aston Villa's under-21 team against Derby County tonight, he will be recalled to the first-team squad in time for next weekend's match against Arsenal.

The 20-year-old has been banished since the manager found out about his late night revelling following the 4-0 defeat at Everton two weeks ago but Garde indicated the midfielder has nearly served his time.

“Jack will play for the reserve team on Monday and will probably rejoin the group after that,” said the Frenchman, who knows he must embed good basic practices if his team are to stand any chance of avoiding relegation.

The draw against Southampton on Saturday was only the second point of Garde's reign. His side were lucky at St Mary's, the result owing more to Southampton's errant finishing than Villa's fortitude. Guardian Service