DION DUBLIN TELLS ASTON VILLA PLAYERS TO 'STAND UP' IN JACK GREALISH ABSENCE
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Jack Grealish has been told he will need to adapt his game if he moves to a bigger club.
The Aston Villa captain is still sidelined for their trip to Newcastle on Friday but is expected to return from injury next week against Tottenham.
England boss Gareth Southgate is still likely to pick Grealish in his latest squad next week after six goals and 10 assists this term in the Premier League.
The star's hot form has again made Grealish one of the most in-demand talents in the top-flight after Manchester United were interested last season.
Grealish, 25, ended up staying at Villa on a new five-year deal worth £130,000-a-week after United refused to meet his £80million price tag.
© Getty Imagesjack Grealish has been linked with top teams including Liverpool and Man Utd
His price has since rocketed further this term but it is unlikely to deter suitors including United and champions-elect Manchester City.
While earlier this week former Villa star Stan Collymore urged Liverpool to sign Grealish in a summer revamp.
Now former Liverpool and England defender Glen Johnson has weighed in on the debate.
Johnson,36, told CheltenhamGuides.com: "I think Grealish is a good player but my only fear is that going to a top club means that he can't play the way he currently plays.
© Neville WilliamsGlen Johnson in action for Liverpool against Aston Villa
"At the minute he does what he wants, goes where he wants, plays how he wants.
"He takes everything from throw-ins to corners and free-kicks, he does the lot.
"He can't do that if he has other top players around him.
"I think he's capable of playing for Liverpool, but he will have to adapt his game, that's for sure."
Dean Smith's Villa have won just once without their talisman who is set to miss his fifth successive game at Newcastle due to a shin injury.
But Smith expects the ace to return to full training next week ahead of Villa's home game with Spurs.
He said: "Jack Grealish is a lot better but you won't see him at Newcastle unfortunately.
"He's made good progress and we're happy with where he's at. Hopefully he'll be available for selection against Tottenham."
Grealish will hope it is enough to satisfy England boss Gareth Southgate who names his squad on Thursday March 18 for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland at the end of the month.
Grealish has five caps after bursting into the team after making his debut last September.
Johnson was speaking to CheltenhamGuides.com