Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has admitted that he has "done bad stuff in the past" but is determined to shed his bad-boy image and become "a role model for kids".
The 21-year-old has hit the headlines multiple times over the last year for his partying antics, having been pictured inhaling nitrous oxide on a night out and being involved in a hotel party that was shut down by police.
Grealish was disciplined for his behaviour by previous managers Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde and Roberto Di Matteo, but now intends to be "a bit wiser" under the stewardship of new boss Steve Bruce.
"When I first broke into the first team, it was hard," he told The Times. "A few months before that, when I hadn't played a game, I was just a normal lad, just Jack, and I could go and do whatever I wanted and no-one would say a word.
"But as I started playing a few games, and did well in the Cup semi-final, I found it difficult. I thought I was still Jack. I thought I could still go to these places, go out and do whatever but I couldn't because everywhere I went people were just trying to stitch me up. I kept being in the papers for the wrong reasons.
"I can't live like when I was 17 or 18. That's part of growing up. I've seen it happen with quite a few other players. But I want to be a role model for kids, and be successful. I've done bad stuff in the past. I was young. I'm still learning now. Next time I've got to be a bit wiser."
Of Bruce, he added: "The new manager has come in and restored so much confidence into the boys. If you watch us now, the confidence is there. Same players but it's such a different mood. Steve Bruce is the best manager I've played under. He's so experienced."
Villa, who are unbeaten in Bruce's six league games to date, next welcome Cardiff City to Villa Park this afternoon.
Neil Wilkes
