Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish admits Mason Mount debate is an annoyance

The pair are regularly compared against one another in regards to their opportunities under Gareth Southgate, with the Three Lions boss addressing social media comments surrounding the issue earlier this week.

Both players featured in the 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, although fans on social media have called for the Villa skipper to have a more prominent role under Southgate.

However, Grealish admitted that there is no animosity between himself and the Chelsea midfielder, claiming that the ongoing debate is becoming an annoyance.

"I love Mason. It's a bit annoying actually because he probably gets a bit of stick at times from it." Grealish said.

"I've always been close with Mason. I think he's a terrific player, and I don't think we're even fighting for the same spot, to be honest.

"If anything, he's underrated, deserves all the credit he gets, and people who know about football will understand just how good he is."

Grealish will be hoping to play a significant role in the Three Lions final two Nations League games against Belgium and Iceland, having been withdrawn on the hour mark at Wembley.

Southgate's side have a chance of topping their group, but currently sit third behind Belgium and Denmark.

Villa's skipper says he hopes to play as many minutes as possible - and admits that Southgate has been brilliant in helping him continue to improve.

"I want to play as much as possible." he said.

"All I have to do is impress the manager as much as I can, since I've been here he's been brilliant with me, speaking to me on and off the pitch, telling me what he wants me to do, and that's what I've tried to do, so fingers crossed."