Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has explained why he regards Jack Grealish as his 'queen'.
Villa skipper Grealish will miss a fifth consecutive Premier League game on Friday night against Newcastle with a shin injury.
Smith, a former West Midlands school chess champion, said: “I think I would describe Jack as the queen rather than a king.
“That is the strongest piece on the board.
“Jack being out has been an opportunity for others. But our results have been indifferent with Jack in the team as well as out of the team over the last eight or nine games.
“I think our results have been indifferent like many clubs in the Premier League since New Year.
“Not many teams have got any rhythm.
“We put in a really good performance without Jack at Leeds.
“Should have got a result against Sheffield United without him.
“I don't think anyone should have been surprised that there were few chances in the game against Wolves such were the last games against them.
“It was always going to be a tight affair against two decent teams in the Premier League."
