After impressing for the u18s and u23s, Dean Smith has included Jacob Ramsey in the Aston Villa matchday squad in recent weeks, handing the 17-year-old his first-team debut against West Bromwich Albion on February 16. Ramsey has contributed 20 goals in 35 games for the u18s and two goals in seven for the u23s, and could have a bright future at Villa under the right guidance.
His time in the first-team might be up this season, however, as Smith will soon be welcoming back three players from injury and suspension. Jack Grealish has recovered from a shin injury and is expected to return to face Derby while Tom Carroll was also given a positive injury update ahead of Saturday’s clash. John McGinn is suspended for one more game and will return after March 2.
Ramsey is a player in the mould of Grealish, being adept at finding space between the lines and having a good eye for goal. There might be too much competition with Grealish, Conor Hourihane and Tom Carroll in one squad, so Ramsey might be better off seeing the season out with the u23s. It won’t be long before he’s a regular, however.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Official: Aston Villa man suspended for Derby clash, FA confirm he’ll return after March 2
