Jack Grealish lines up for Aston Villa U21s during their victory over Derby County as he prepares to make his first team return

Jack Grealish returned to action for Aston Villa after his exile but found his appearance upstaged by Libor Kozak, another senior player out of the first-team picture.

Kozak scored two good goals to ensure Villa’s Under-21 side beat Derby, although Grealish did go close to getting his name on the scoresheet too.

In the 56th minute the 20-year-old collected the ball in the left channel, cut inside Derby’s Alex Cover with ease and struck a powerful shot that was only kept out by a strong wrist from goalkeeper Kelle Roos.

Jack Grealish started for Aston Villa Under-21s as they took on Derby County at Villa Park 

The 20-year-old is looking to impress after being exiled by Remi Garde following his partying antics

Grealish, who is touted as a future star, looks to get away from his marker and create an attacj

The attacker turns away in frustration after seeing a good chance go begging in the first half 

Grealish produced a few notable moments in his first match since featuring in the 4-0 defeat to Everton, which preceded his weekend of excess and punishment by Villa manager Remi Garde.

There were a number trademark flicks and dribbles but no outstanding act to convince Garde to thrust him straight back into the struggling first team. He had a free-kick opportunity but lofted his effort over the bar.

Robert Duverne, the fitness coach recruited by Garde, was at Villa Park to witness Grealish complete 90 minutes for the first time since playing the entire game at Chelsea on October 17.

He began as a support striker to Kozak, but moved up front on his own in the second half. Adama Traore, the £7million recruit from Barcelona, and Kozak also played the full game.

Kozak opened the scoring in the 33th minute with an expertly-placed header following a brilliant burst of pace and cross by Adama.

The youngster takes a shot at goal but sees his effort saved by Kelle Roos in the Derby goal

Grealish is to join up with the first team again after being axed following his boozy weekend

The 26-year-old striker doubled his tally in the 55th minute with a sweet volley on the stretch to connect with a fine cross by Lewis Kinsella.

Derby pulled one back in the 62nd minute when Mason Bennett applied a finish in off the post.

The 20-year-old was demoted from the first team after Sportsmail's revelations showed him partying just hours after the Premier League strugglers were thrashed by Everton. 

The Frenchman wanted to make an example of the player, who was also caught sprawled out on the pavement in Tenerife, and left him out the squad for the games against Watford and Southampton. 

The Villa youngster looked in good spirits as the two sides warmed-up at Villa Park on Monday night