Brad Guzan will miss the USA’s upcoming friendlies against Denmark and Switzerland due to his wife expecting the birth of their first child, but Jack Grealish‘s recent absence from international football has been due to a conscious decision to concentrate on his club football.

The under-21 Ireland international picked up an award in Ireland tonight for being the best Irish player in that age group. Recently, much has been made about the decision Grealish has to make as to whether he will choose to be classed as English or Irish when it comes to being considered at full international level. Part of his break from international football has been to cool down the media speculation of his decision as well as obviously give himself time to think.

Collecting his Ireland Under-21 player of the year at tonight’s FAI Three Awards in RTE, Grealish explained his recent absence from Noel King’s Under-21 side.

“I spoke to Noel at the start of the year and I said I was going to take a year out of international football this year and try and concentrate on my club football,” said Grealish.

“I’ve had a good year at Villa and then hopefully next year I’ll be back playing again for Ireland.”

To see a video of Jack Grealish’s acceptance speech click here

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