First of all, MOMS isn’t bothered either way if Jack Grealish plays for either England or Ireland. For some reason the media seems to have obsessed over the issue for almost a year now. Who really cares? It’s up to Jack.
There are pros and cons for him to choose either country and who knows how both national teams will pan out over the next decade, during Grealish’s professional career. Aston Villa also have had a decent tradition in recent decades in providing players to both countries, so the club and its supporters will be proud either way.
The current Eire manager Martin O’Neill has reportedly gone on the charm offensive having met Grealish and his dad just over a week ago.
Speaking at this week’s squad announcement at FAI headquarters, the Ireland manager said: “The situation with Jack is that I had a conversation with him and his father a week or ten days ago.
“I thought it was pretty fruitful and Jack – I think he will decide very, very shortly.”
Grealish who has made seven starts for Villa’s first team is reportedly fit enough to be back in contention for a place in the first team squad this weekend, after successfully coming through a full 90-minutes for Villa’s Under-21’s against Derby in which he scored the game’s only goal.
MOMS went to watch him play a couple of weeks ago against Tamworth and he was clearly making his first tentative steps back in that game, but he now seems to be up to speed in his fitness.
Possibly Grealish will wait until he’s back in the first team before announcing his international future, which will be soon. Something that O’Neill’s words seems to echo.
“He and his father agreed that it’s about time they were going to do something about it,” said the ex-Villa boss. “Fine, if he’s worth waiting for that in that sense, not necessarily for me but for the future of ourselves then so be it. He’s got age on his side and he’s a very decent talent.”
“I’m pleased I’ve had the conversation. They were receptive to what I was saying.”
With all the new players coming to Villa Park though in the summer, Grealish’s first concern will be cementing his place back in the Villa team. No doubt he’ll be looking to be a regular this season and make at least 25-30 starts for the club.
While Villa’s journey will be interesting this season with all the new additions, so will Grealish’s first real season as a known entity.
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It’d have to be the Republic. Look at the way the national press builds up and then slaughters England international footballers. It’s easy to point to Paul Gascoigne but also the fact a player of the quality of Matt Le Tissier never flourished is indicative of the national mindset of trusting hard work and athleticism over flair and artistry. He’d be mad to choose England.
Better for Villa if he picks Ireland in my opinion, Jack is already starting to get a bit of an ego and mixing with all those big time charlies who think that anything less than £100k a week is a pittance, would not help the club or his development one bit. Look how fast The Snake’s head turned as soon as England came calling.
Prefer Ireland – less tapping up. How many Irish players at the “Rich Four”.