Steven Gerrard talks up Jacob Ramsey, Aston Villa academy

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has suggested that Jacob Ramsey has 'set the bar high' with his application in training in recent weeks.

In his first game in charge of the West Midlands outfit, Gerrard handed Ramsey his seventh Premier League start of the season for the fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 20-year-old played 84 minutes as Villa edged out the Seagulls by a 2-0 scoreline, and Gerrard has talked up the efforts and ability of the academy graduate.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Gerrard said: "I've been really impressed with JJ because he's a humble kid and his standards are really high. He backed it up with his performances in training and that's why he got a start.

"There are a lot of talented players, it's important that they rehearse and play in a similar way to the first team."

Ramsey is again expected to feature when Villa face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.