Jack Grealish has opted to commit his international future to England, the player has confirmed.
“I’ve decided to give my allegiance to England,” Grealish tweeted. “It was not an easy decision as Ireland has a special place with me through my family. However, I have decided to represent my country of birth.”
The 20-year-old midfielder has represented the Republic of Ireland, who he is eligible to play for through his grandparents, at every level up to under-21s.
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish1) September 28, 2015
The England manager Roy Hodgson will be delighted having been keen to persuade Grealish to play for the country of his birth.
The midfielder could be available to play in England’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania next month but the English FA will have to work quickly to register Grealish with Fifa.
The Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has been full of praise for the youngster’s form this season and said after the 3-2 defeat at Liverpool that he would not sell Grealish for £60m.
“I wouldn’t want to sell Jack Grealish for £60m today put it that way,” Sherwood said. “I know what he could possibly be. What looks expensive this year might not be expensive next year. That’s the way the game is going.
“He’s a great player is Jack, but he’s got to realise – I’ve been on at him every day – there is more to the game than just when you’re in possession. That Liverpool game was huge with a lot of expectancy and pressure, it didn’t faze him, he grew more.
“He is certainly a type of player we have seen at the very top level for the likes of Liverpool and in the past for Aston Villa, we have to recognise that.
“He’s not shop window job, he’s our player, and we couldn’t put a price on him. I certainly wouldn’t.”
