Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has backed Jack Grealish's decision to delay pledging his international allegiances as the Villans close in on Premier League safety.

The Birmingham-born midfielder, 19, rejected a call-up the Republic of Ireland side this week for clashes with England - for whom he is also eligible - and Scotland next month.

Villa travel to Southampton on Saturday knowing that victory would secure their top-flight status, before facing Arsenal in the FA Cup final in two weeks' time, and Sherwood says that Grealish is right to put his international future on hold.

"It's not a slant on Ireland, England or anyone," he told reporters. "I don't think Jack didn't want to play for Ireland, I don't think he didn't want to play for England or Brazil for that matter.

"He will make his decision. He's good enough to play international football but he's putting that on hold. The case was he was always going to decide on his international future at the end of this season. He's got three very important games to take care of for Aston Villa. His concentration is fully on that.

"Jack hasn't made his mind up what country he wants to represent but the good news is they all want him. It's a decision only Jack has to make in a cool, calm situation at the end of this season."

Grealish has made 15 Premier League appearances this season.