By Graham Hill
JACK Grealish’s influence is hardwired into Villa’s play-off bid – even when he is not playing.
That is the view of midfielder John McGinn who reckons the Villa skipper has inspired his side so much that they can carry out their game plan if he cannot play.
Grealish missed Saturday’s win over Bristol City due to illness – and that raised question marks over whether Villa’s winning run would continue.
But even without Grealish, Villa played the same style of football and dominated in a 2-1 win.
And McGinn says Villa want to prove they are no one-man team.
The Scotland midfielder said: “Jack’s the best player in the league and there’s no doubt he’s inspired the run we’re on.
“In his absence, the confidence he’s given the rest of the lads has carried on.
“Saturday was a massive victory, for the fact it gives everyone a confidence boost to show we are not a one-man team. But we still really missed Jack.”
Grealish is expected to return on Friday when Villa go to Bolton looking for a club-record equalling NINTH successive victory which which would take them to 72 points.
If they can then beat Millwall on Easter Monday, then that could secure their place in the Play-offs assuming other results go their way.
Villa Roar 