Martin Keown has implored Aston Villa starlet Jack Grealish to learn from his nitrous oxide misdemeanor.

An image emerged of the 19-year old attacking midfielder inhaling laughing gas which has created a stir once again following similar transgression's involving West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino and Liverpool pair Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe.

Regarding the controversy, which took place a year ago, former Arsenal star Keown has urged Grealish to forget about this type of off-field carry-on in order to focus on becoming a better footballer.

'It's a shame to see another talented young player being photographed taking 'hippy crack.' It might be legal but it's still a drug,' Keown wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

'If you want to be a top athlete you don't want that in your body. In a strange way, maybe this story will actually help keep Jack Grealish's feet on the ground.

'He was outstanding against Liverpool but it was one game - he has not made it yet.

'At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger changed the attitude completely. He said as professional athletes we had a duty to look after our bodies. Alcohol was described as poison - it slows down your body when it needs to be perfectly tuned.

'You eat what's required to refuel, not for pleasure. Of course you still get players who want to enjoy themselves but there has to be a cut-off point.

'When I see Jack play it's no surprise that he is full of confidence. He has a big future but he has to make the right choices. That's how you make sure you are on the back pages, not the front.'