Jack Grealish is set to feature in the next Jack Reacher novel. No really!

You know what they say ... Play a blinding cup semi-final and you'll make your way into a thriller.

Jack Grealish's stellar performances for Aston Villa in recent weeks have earned him a place in the best-selling Jack Reacher series. The winger, whose indecision over his international future is wearing thin with most Irish people, is going to be in the 21st Reacher book due to the fact that author Lee Child (real name Jim Grant) is a die-hard Villa fan. The names of over 20 Villa players and managers have made their way into the Reacher books over the years and Child told The Birmingham Mail today that Grealish will feature next year. "It's Jack Grealish for the next book," said Child, who was born in Coventry. "It's a great name - and he's a great kid." Former Irish international Paul McGrath has seen his name awarded to some of Child's characters over the years as have Dwight Yorke, Shaun Teale and Savo Milošević. Roddy Doyle better get writing if we're to have any hope of Grealish lining out in green.