Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has said that a run in the team has helped midfielder Jack Grealish to settle into the side this term.

The 22-year-old, who suffered injury in pre-season, has only recently returned to the first-team fold, and played 30 minutes in Villa's midweek victory over Sunderland.

Bruce admitted that Grealish had a "wake-up call" following the injury, and told the Birmingham Mail that he is pleased to see the midfielder progressing this season.

"I think the big thing for Jack is that he's had some stability," the manager said. "I might be his seventh manager? That isn't great for any young player. I honestly believe that the injury he sustained in pre-season made it dawn upon him what football means.

"The one thing about Jack Grealish is that he always enjoys playing football. I think that injury, and the severity of it, was maybe the wake-up call he needed.

"He's 22 now and starting to mature a little bit. We've all done stupid things when we're younger. In terms of his enthusiasm to train and to play he's a breath of fresh air, and of course he's got the talent. It was good to see him play for half an hour against Sunderland the other night and we're delighted that he's fit in this particular moment."

Villa play Championship leaders Wolves in a crunch clash on Saturday evening.