Tim Sherwood on Jack Grealish: I love him to death and I hate him at the same time

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has backed the controversial 19-year old midfielder Jack Grealish who recently annoyed the club board and manager when photos of him inhaling the legal high nitrous oxide, lying on the streets during a holiday buzzed the internet.

But Sherwood feels Grealish has learned the lessons of a controversial summer which came after an excellent first season in Villa's senior side and the boss is ready to welcome him back to the team and feels he has moved on from his moments of controversy.

Tim Sherwood said,

"I will back him 100 per cent, he is such a talented boy," said Sherwood. "I love him to death and I hate him at the same time. I want to nurture him to fulfil his full potential.

"He did annoy me in the summer, but he annoyed himself. Hopefully the penny has dropped with him.

"Young kids make mistakes. But they come through it. He is a one-off - and he is a one-off on the pitch. He has come through it and we need to move on now."

When asked about the return of Jack Grealish and Carles Gil from injury, Tim added,

"That is what we need, we need Jack and Carles," said Sherwood.

"It is unfortunate that two of the most creative players in the side have been injured at the same time. Now they are getting back to fitness, it will change us going forward.

"I think they could play together. If anyone watched them play for the under-21s, you can see they suit each other's game. They pass the ball to each other and they enjoy each other's company.

"They are very offensive players with a good technical ability so they can take us forward."