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Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish has taken his game to 'another level' despite his off-field controversy... and manager Dean Smith believes his new role as a No 10 could interest England boss Gareth Southgate

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith believes Jack Grealish has taken his game to 'another level' in recent weeks, despite off-field distractions.

Smith will not talk about his captain's nine-month driving ban after he admitted two counts of careless driving earlier this month.

But, on the pitch, Grealish has been the inspiration behind five away wins from six that sees Villa in the top half of the Premier League.

Jack Grealish has recently taken his game to 'another level', despite off-field distractions

'He is on another level, he's playing wonderful football,' said Smith ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace.

'At West Brom (3-0 win last weekend) it looked like he was playing in the playground with his mates.