Martin O'Neill: 'Jack Grealish decision is imminent'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 18 August 2015

Martin O'Neill expects England-born Republic of Ireland target Jack Grealish to end speculation over his international future by committing himself to one country soon.

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has claimed that Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish will decide his international future "very, very shortly".

The Birmingham-born starlet, 19, is eligible for both O'Neill's side and England, but snubbed a call-up to the Boys in Green in May as he refused to rush the decision.

The Ireland manager opted against naming him in a 37-man provisional squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers next month, but the Northern Irishman says that the "big decision" will soon be made.

"I had a conversation with him and his father a week or 10 days ago and I thought it was pretty fruitful," O'Neill told reporters. "I think he's going to decide very, very shortly on what he'll do but it's a big decision.

"I'm pleased I had the conversation and they were receptive to what I was saying. We're trying to move it forward. He would play more often for us. He's a great talent. England, naturally, would qualify for more tournaments than we would but it's not an overnight decision to make at your leisure.

"This is for the rest of his career at international level but he and his father agreed it's about time they do something about it. If it's waiting, then so be it. He has a lot of talent but it's a big decision and something he wants to make sure he gets right."

The youngster made 17 Premier League appearances in his breakthrough season at Villa Park last term.