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Roy Keane Compares England's Jack Grealish To Cristiano Ronaldo After Impressive Display Against Austria

Roy Keane Compares England's Jack Grealish To Cristiano Ronaldo After Impressive Display Against Austria

"He could be the star man for England, he makes things happen."

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Jack Grealish gave England manager Gareth Southgate a selection headache after a standout performance in their friendly clash against Austria - and Roy Keane believes he could be their star man at the European Championships.

The Aston Villa playmaker, who looked a real threat throughout against Franco Foda's side, has been a huge doubt for the Three Lions ahead of this summer's tournament, with the 25-year-old missing three months of Premier League action because of a shin injury.

Grealish has, however, managed to get match fit ahead of their opener against Croatia on June 13 and was named in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad alongside a plethora of attacking talent, including Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, to name just a few.

The attacking midfielder looked in fine form on Wednesday night against Austria, who will also compete at the European Championships this month, and ITV pundit Roy Keane heaped praise on the Aston Villa man ahead of next week's opener.

In fact, the former Manchester United midfielder compared his influence to that of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal.

"He's a pure quality player," Keane said. "Every time I watch him play, he affects the game. I'd find it very hard to leave him out of the starting XI.

"He could be the star man for England, he makes things happen. He has courage and always wants the ball in tight areas - like Cristiano Ronaldo at Portugal.

"You need players like that in your team. He's outstanding."

Image credit: PA
Image credit: PA

This isn't the first time Keane has waxed lyrically about England's number seven.

Last month, the Irishman said he could swap Grealish for Paul Pogba 'tomorrow' as Manchester United prepare to make moves in the summer transfer window.

"You know who I'd love to see here, the two players I've thought about over the past couple of weeks who I think would be brilliant for Man United, I'd go for Harry Kane, whatever it costs," Keane told Sky Sports.

"I'd also go for Grealish - I think United are still short of that special player, I think Grealish would give them that. He'd enjoy playing at Old Trafford, I think the fans would love him.

"What I admire about Jack, I think he's got great courage on a football pitch, he's great in tight areas, over the last year or two, his end product has improved, he's an excellent player."

Image credit: PA
Image credit: PA

Keane continued, saying: "We know Kane would guarantee goals. Would it be difficult to get these two players? You bet your life it would be, but Man United have to go and try and get the best otherwise we'll be having the same conversation next year about United nearly being there.

"I think Jack would be ready for Man United. Villa are a big club and they're doing very well, but I think Jack, we talk about players being selfish, Harry Kane being selfish - well, Jack has to be selfish and look to step up to the next level."

Thoughts on Keane's comments about Grealish? Would he be a good signing for United?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Aston Villa, Football, Jack Grealish, England, Austria, Roy Keane