Aston Villa's Jack Grealish to choose Republic of Ireland over England?

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 17 October 2014

Highly-rated Aston Villa youngster Jack Grealish, born in Birmingham, is expected to snub an international career with England to represent the Republic of Ireland.

Aston Villa youngster Jack Grealish will reportedly snub England to declare himself for the Republic of Ireland.

The highly-rated 19-year-old has represented Ireland's Under-21s, but could still opt for England until he is capped by the Republic in a competitive senior international.

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill is expected to pick Birmingham-born Grealish in his squad for the friendly against USA next month, with a view to using him in Euro 2016 qualifying.

BBC Sport claims that O'Neill met with Grealish and his father in September to discuss a call-up, but agreed to postpone it until the winger had penned his new four-year contract at Villa Park.

Grealish, whose grandfather comes from Gort in County Wicklow, tweeted "COYBIG" (Come on You Boys in Green) following Ireland's last-ditch 1-1 draw in Germany on Tuesday.

The former Notts County loanee has made four substitute appearances for Villa in the Premier League this term.