Kevin Grealish, father of Jack Grealish, has rejected reports that his son has resolved his international dilemma by choosing to declare for England.
Reports in the English media suggested the Aston Villa attacker, who turned 20 yesterday, had finally settled on a decision regarding his future by defecting from the Republic of Ireland.
“There is nothing in that report whatsoever,” insisted Kevin Grealish. “No decision has been made by Jack yet. He hasn’t even played much football this season because of injuries.”
It's understood the attacker is still deliberating over his options but has vowed to inform England manager Roy Hodgson and Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill of his plans in time for next month's concluding pair of Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Grealish, his father and agent David Manasseh sat down with the managers of both nations in recent months to discuss the topic of his international future.
O’Neill described those talks as “fruitful”, subsequently revealing his plan to fast-track the youngster into his squad for the business end of the campaign should he opt to come on board.
Similarly hospitable to Grealish was Hodgson, who has the added incentive of a guaranteed place at next year’s European Championship finals to offer.
The England manager has made it clear opportunities will be presented to Grealish to play his way into the fold, either in the two dead-rubber qualifiers next month against Estonia and Lithuania or the series of friendlies in the lead-up to the France showpiece.
Patience
Still, the patience of Hodgson appeared to be wearing thin earlier this week when he urged Grealish to end the tug-of-war, claiming he “wasn’t 100 per cent sure what he is waiting for”.
O’Neill remarked following Monday’s 1-0 win over Georgia that his England counterpart was applying pressure on the player in what was an already delicate situation.
Grealish's club manager, Tim Sherwood, is adamant he won't sway his player towards either of the countries battling for the youngster's services.
“I’ve spoken to Roy Hodgson, Martin O’Neill, Jack Grealish and his father,” explained Sherwood yesterday.
“I have said it is not my decision to make, it is up to those three parties to fight it out, leave me out of it.
“He hasn’t told me. I can’t tell him. In his heart of hearts he has to decide whether he is English or Irish. He has to decide.”
Grealish’s father has admitted this decision is the toughest of his son’s life, much more significant than his choice of sticking with Aston Villa last season in the face of interest from Chelsea and Tottenham.
The Birmingham-born star has represented Ireland throughout the underage ranks since initially declaring at the age of 14 through his grandparents from Kerry and Galway.
Defect
Twice in the intervening period, Grealish declined offers from the English Football Association to defect.
This approach, however, carries far more importance, as just one appearance in a competitive match ties him to that nation permanently.
Meanwhile, it's understood the FAI are on the verge of securing the allegiance of highly-rated Arsenal teenager Danny Crowley.
The 18-year-old, currently impressing on loan at League One outfit Barnsley, is in a similar situation to his former Villa colleague Grealish insofar as he is eligible for England and Ireland, and he’s in demand by both.
The midfielder has represented England at under-19 level but is believed to be close to switching to Noel King’s Ireland under-21 squad for their European Championship qualification campaign.
