Roy Keane has given a strong indication that Jack Grealish is tempted by an international career with England, the former Manchester United captain telling the Republic of Ireland to accept the Aston Villa player’s decision “whether we like it or not”.
The Solihull-born 19-year-old is at the centre of a fractious tussle over his international future, having represented Ireland at every level from under-15s to under-21s but attracted the attention of the Football Association following a fine season at Villa Park. Grealish has yet to appear for Ireland’s senior team and declined the manager Martin O’Neill’s offer of a place in his squad for Sunday’s friendly against England in Dublin and the European Championship qualifier with Scotland the following Saturday.
O’Neill was informed the midfielder wanted to focus on his club football at the time of the squad announcement, with Villa involved in FA Cup final preparations and a Premier League relegation struggle. But Keane, who worked with Grealish during his spell as Villa’s assistant manager, could not offer Ireland any assurances that is prepared to commit to their ranks.
Ireland’s assistant manager was circumspect throughout a press conference held ostensibly to preview the England friendly – including on the controversy of the FAI accepting a €5m payoff from Fifa – but was notably downbeat on the prospect of welcoming Grealish into the fold.
“I don’t know if there’s a timescale on it,” said Keane on a decision from the Villa midfielder. “What I found working with Jack in my short time at club level is that he’s a really good kid. Obviously, I’ve never been in that situation but whatever decision he makes will be the right one, whether we like it or not.
“I think if Jack came here with the senior squad, he’d have loved it. There seems to be a blame game going on at the moment. Jack was unsure what he wanted to do and we’ve got to respect the decision whether we like it or not.”
Asked whether Grealish was a lost cause to Ireland, Keane added: “He’s obviously not made any official decision so we’ll have to wait and see. Jack’s a good kid. He was over at the FAI awards and he’s faced with a difficult decision. I’ve got my own thoughts on what he’s going to do. Let’s wait and see.”
Ireland host England in Dublin for the first time since English hooligans, some indulging in Nazi salutes, forced a 1995 friendly to be abandoned after 27 minutes. Keane believes there will be no repeat on Sunday and insists the shameful episode will have no influence on Ireland’s approach to the game.
He added: “Please God we will be talking only about football on Monday, I’m pretty sure we will be. We are looking forward to a really good game. England are coming and I’m pretty sure it will be sold out. It’s an important game in the buildup to the game next Saturday.
“In terms of looking back, I think the players are focused on what’s coming up. The Irish lads want to turn England over of course. But what happened 20 years ago? The lads just want to win the game. If they get a good result maybe it will give them a better chance of being in the starting XI on Saturday. I’m guessing that is what is in the players’ mindset at the moment.”
Republic of Ireland (4-4-2, probable): Given; Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Ward; Walters, Whelan, McCarthy, McGeady; Long, Murphy.
Subs from Forde, Westwood, Keogh, Pearce, McShane, Hendrick, Arter, McClean, Brady, Quinn, Hoolahan, Meyler, Keane, McGoldrick.
