Jack Grealish

[SkStu]

Yeah TOWK - which is it?

[tricky_colour]

17 months before he turns 21.
Wonder how many posts this thread will have clock up by then?
30 a day for 510 day could be over 3000.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Hot off the presses!

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/vincent-hogan/oneill-needs-to-force-grealishs-hand-with-ireland-callup-31170206.html

Vic Hogan article on the Grealish situation.

[samhaydenjr]

Hot off the presses!

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/vincent-hogan/oneill-needs-to-force-grealishs-hand-with-ireland-callup-31170206.html

Vic Hogan article on the Grealish situation.

Wow, that's some serious hysterical armchair managing in that article. I mean, I know we're all a little excited about Grealish's performance at Wembley but when Martin O'Neill had the chat with the family and said that Jack would be taking time to focus on his club career or consider his options or whatever, I took that to mean that his final decision would likely not be made until after this season and I don't think his performance last Sunday changes that - it probably is just too close to the Scotland game for him to be considered. It just confirms that Grealish is a step closer to becoming a top player, which is great. But I don't think there's any need for Martin O'Neill to start playing what amounts to mind games by trying to "force Grealish's hand". He had the talk with the family, the lad knows that we're pretty much ready to promote him to the senior squad (the September game against Gibraltar is likely the most realistic first opportunity, unless some summer friendlies are organised late), so the ball is in his court and he'll either stay with us or switch to England and there aren't any machinations that will change that. Although perhaps we could show him some videos to show why he might stick with Ireland:

- The time of our lives ("The Nation holds its breath"):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v24UKqJIKm8

- "Look at these scenes, just look at these scenes":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIexE4B1GHY

- And if that doesn't work, how about kicks of another kind?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0v_pu6miJ8

[DeLorean]

Wow, that's some serious hysterical armchair managing in that article.

Exactly, Hogan has the patience and composure of a six year old waiting to open their Christmas presents. People seriously need to relax. If Grealish is just waiting for England to come along, which Hogan seems to assume, then what good would it do to force his hand at this early stage by going against Grealish's request in utter panic mode? He obviously wouldn't accept the call up as it will have gone against the original deal, and the obvious and actually relevant excuse will be that he still needs to focus on Aston Villa, which is actually far more believable now than it was when he originally said it. There's just no way that Grealish would bring that kind of controversy on himself with Villa fighting relegation and preparing for a cup final. Sherwood, who has given some fair, sensible advise recently (publicly at least), would freak as well which wouldn't help our cause long term. I think it's fair game to call him up in September though but there's no need to come across all desperate and panicy just yet. Thankfully MON has more sense than that.



But if the green shirt is second choice, then it should not be worn at all.

Ah now... when did we become this precious?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

And more pleasing to DeLorean's eyes.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/sideline-cut-whatever-jack-grealish-decides-he-has-proved-loyalty-to-ireland-1.2188251

It was all downhill after he got Johnny Marr's surname wrong. There's also a ham-fisted metaphor about Liam & Noel Gallagher (both England fans) and their encyclopedic knowledge of Irish sweets.

"Maybe Grealish is privately smarting that he hasn’t yet had a full senior call-up, and if he does end up wearing an England shirt in two years’ time, then O’Neill and Roy Keane (http://www.irishtimes.com/search/search-7.1213540?tag_person=Roy%20Keane&article=true) will have to live with the accusations that they allowed the real thing to walk away".

Poor Martin & Roy. They will have to live with the fact that Grealish didn't accept senior call ups for the Oman & USA games and they'll have to live with the fact that Grealish wasn't getting in touch with them to know where he/they stood.

How will they live with themselves.

[Stuttgart88]

I thought Noel Gallagher supported Ireland?

[tetsujin1979]

I thought Noel Gallagher supported Ireland? he does, as far as I remember he even said he'd write a song for the team if they qualified for a tournament.

<EDIT>

He did too, but it was a lot further back than I thought: http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/other/oasis-noel-offers-to-do-irish-world-cup-song-26195.html

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I remember seeing pictures of them in England and Manchester City kits in my older brothers' music magazines back in the day. I also remember at least one of them doing guest punditry before an Intl. tournament England match. That is where I picked up the association.

[tetsujin1979]

According to this interview - http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/noel-gallagher-sing-when-youre-winning - Noel does follow England, but he's an Ireland fan ahead of them

“I do follow England because they have some good players,” Noel allows, “but when push comes to shove I’m in the Ireland end. I’ve always supported Ireland since I was a kid. Oasis were asked to do the England song and go on at Wembley – my uncles would have killed me. I don’t really like football songs – I could write a tune but football lyrics are always a bit daft.”

[Olé Olé]

And more pleasing to DeLorean's eyes.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/sideline-cut-whatever-jack-grealish-decides-he-has-proved-loyalty-to-ireland-1.2188251

It was all downhill after he got Johnny Marr's surname wrong. There's also a ham-fisted metaphor about Liam & Noel Gallagher (both England fans) and their encyclopedic knowledge of Irish sweets.


Hold on a minute. He was actually using Marr's birthname and making a point in doing so. Johnny Marr was born Johnny Maher: http://www.nme.com/news/johnny-marr/67272 Marr changed his name because of how Maher was being pronounced. The Gallaghers have their second names predominantly pronounced as 'Gallacher' and that's the point he was making.

As far as a birth cert is concerned, the author was on the money.

[Stuttgart88]

I think he was worried people would think he was North African.

(Foot.ie anorak joke)

[DannyInvincible]

Not the greatest of pieces by Hogan, I'm afraid. It's very speculative. Just because Martin is reticent and habitually careful with his words in public doesn't mean there's been no warmth behind the scenes. Martin met up with Jack and his father and they discussed many things beyond football. And, we've been over this before, but it's still unfair to simply assume that Grealish is just cynically waiting on an England call-up. He has rejected the FA before and if they come calling again, we simply don't know if he will accept.

On Noel Gallagher; he is a big fan of Ireland and Celtic. Pretty sure there's a video of him talking about Celtic and Irishness on YouTube. Would look for a link except I'm on a work computer and YouTube is blocked. He might follow England too, but it's that idea of overlapping/dual identity again. Very simple really. Don't know why it's so difficult for some people to grasp that people can affiliate with more than one identity at the same time... Tiresome.

[DeLorean]

And more pleasing to DeLorean's eyes.

Not really, there's a lot that's gone on that I'm not mad about. The 'year off' doesn't sit too well with me, when the U21's wouldn't have tied him down anyway. Concentrating on his club career seemed a lame excuse, every young player has to do that but they generally don't exclude themselves from internationals. I also feel it's a bit of an unnecessary drama, it's an important decision for him but it's not one that's going to get any easier (unless he is just holding out for England) so just make it. There's only so much thinking one can do over any decision and he's had plenty of time. All that being said, this is not the right moment for him to decide, certainly from his clubs point of view. It would be an unwelcome distraction, certainly if he chose us, no point in saying otherwise. September should reveal all.

[TrapAPony]

Good article by Ian Rush on Jack Grealish

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/ian-rush-john-bull-is-talking-bull-by-saying-grealish-isnt-irish-31170118.html

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Heh. I didn't think it was good. Pretty simplistic stuff IMO. Like something an ex-pro picking up a few bob on the side would write.

Rousing though.

[Charlie Darwin]

And more pleasing to DeLorean's eyes.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/sideline-cut-whatever-jack-grealish-decides-he-has-proved-loyalty-to-ireland-1.2188251

It was all downhill after he got Johnny Marr's surname wrong. There's also a ham-fisted metaphor about Liam & Noel Gallagher (both England fans) and their encyclopedic knowledge of Irish sweets.

"Maybe Grealish is privately smarting that he hasn’t yet had a full senior call-up, and if he does end up wearing an England shirt in two years’ time, then O’Neill and Roy Keane (http://www.irishtimes.com/search/search-7.1213540?tag_person=Roy%20Keane&article=true) will have to live with the accusations that they allowed the real thing to walk away".

Poor Martin & Roy. They will have to live with the fact that Grealish didn't accept senior call ups for the Oman & USA games and they'll have to live with the fact that Grealish wasn't getting in touch with them to know where he/they stood.

How will they live with themselves.
It's worse than that. Johnny didn't have a quiff - he's thinking of Morrissey.

[DeLorean]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKoS5X4SMrY

[SwanVsDalton]

Not the greatest of pieces by Hogan, I'm afraid. It's very speculative. Just because Martin is reticent and habitually careful with his words in public doesn't mean there's been no warmth behind the scenes. Martin met up with Jack and his father and they discussed many things beyond football. And, we've been over this before, but it's still unfair to simply assume that Grealish is just cynically waiting on an England call-up. He has rejected the FA before and if they come calling again, we simply don't know if he will accept.

Don't think it is unfair personally - there's a world of difference between trying to get him into an underage set-up and senior honours, particularly when it comes to a player who has a very difficult decision to make.

If Grealish now believes he could realistically feature as an English international regularly, then it's probably game changer for him.

I wouldn't ordinarly support calls like Hogan's, but in this instance I think he has a point. The issue I'm most worried about is every match - every squad announcement - from now until Grealish gets off the fence will be overshadowed by him.

No point saying it won't - these eligibility only ever get louder and more distracting. Grealish is old enough, he's smart enough and the tail is utterly wagging the dog now on this one (I mean, was no-one else peeved about his dad saying he'll return to the U21s? We're way past that point chum and we can *see* what you're playing at).

I don't like it when players dictate, even if they are Grealish. If he's going to England (as I expect) then best it's sooner rather than later. And best of luck to him if he does.

June might be too soon - and probably bad faith given the year off deal - but call him up for the seniors in August/September.

On to the player himself - Villa made a comedy start against Man City, but Grealish has quietly become central to almost everything they're doing to get back in the game.

[Eminence Grise]

It's not the likeliest of scenarios, but if Villa were to go down I suspect English interest in him would wane. Out of sight is out of mind and all that.

[tricky_colour]

I thought Noel Gallagher supported Ireland?

http://www.irishpost.co.uk/entertainment/interview-unstoppable-noel-gallagher


What about choosing between supporting England and the Republic of Ireland? Gallagher answers without a hint of hesitation: “Oh, Republic of Ireland; I don’t consider myself to be English at all.”

[tricky_colour]

Grealish just fouled the City keeper for 2-2 :)
Call him up Trap.
(well not easy to see on the stream, going by the commentator who was not sure either)

[tricky_colour]

about 1.40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wlI18s6ACY

[DannyInvincible]

Here's that Noel Gallagher video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WonEbYXPa5k

It features a selection of quotes. For some reason, I had it in my head he spoke.


- "Look at these scenes, just look at these scenes":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIexE4B1GHY

"bail that out u f*ckers!!! (http://balls.ie/football/theres-an-incredible-comment-on-the-youtube-page-for-robbie-keanes-goal-v-germany-at-the-02-world-cup/)"


Don't think it is unfair personally - there's a world of difference between trying to get him into an underage set-up and senior honours, particularly when it comes to a player who has a very difficult decision to make.

If Grealish now believes he could realistically feature as an English international regularly, then it's probably game changer for him.

It would be grossly naïve to deny the possibility, but are we allowing the Anglocentric hype/pressure since last weekend to influence our thoughts or sense of balance to the point where we straightforwardly assume it must also be affecting Grealish, despite his father informing us "nothing has changed (http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/jack-grealish-intends-to-play-for-ireland-u21s-in-september-says-his-father-1.2184347)"? Grealish hasn't beckoned England at all; in fact, he re-affirmed his intention to be back in the green come September.


Grealish is old enough, he's smart enough and the tail is utterly wagging the dog now on this one (I mean, was no-one else peeved about his dad saying he'll return to the U21s? We're way past that point chum and we can *see* what you're playing at).

I don't like it when players dictate, even if they are Grealish. If he's going to England (as I expect) then best it's sooner rather than later. And best of luck to him if he does.

Did Kevin Grealish definitely say it was only the under-21s for whom Jack would return? A few journalists have assumed that's what was meant - I acknowledge Fallon (closely connected to the Grealish family?) was one of them - but I'm not sure there's a direct quote. Very much open to correction on that though. (And maybe it's fair to assume it's more than just an interpretation of ambiguity if Fallon said it?)

I can see why the present uncertain state of affairs could be exasperating, but that's what placing a wager can entail and we have only ourselves to blame if we are indeed being "strung along". I think we're voluntarily allowing ourselves to be "exploited" (if that is what is happening) rather than it being a case of Grealish dictating the game. I'm very much for acknowledging/taking responsibility for that over which we have control, out of self-respect over wallowing in victimhood, and we're allowing the present situation to exist because we very much want to be an option. We stand to gain. (It'd also be very hypocritical for me to cry "foul" here yet consistently defend the rights and integrity of northern-born Irish nationals like McClean or Duffy who have switched to us after a bit of time with the IFA.) The FAI are taking the approach that they hope will bloom a reward worth all the stress and investment. It's a risk and we've been more than happy to have a gamble. If we're happy to simply be an option instead of forcing the issue, we have to accept the ultimate decision if it happens to go against us. Rather than appeasing the lad by giving him his time, O'Neill could issue Grealish an ultimatum tomorrow and we'd be done with it; we'd either have a very talented and committed young player on our hands or we'd be able to devote our attentions to something more worthwhile as Grealish goes his own way and devotes his own efforts solely to making it with England. If he eventually "disrespects" us, it'll very much have been because we've put ourselves in such a position where that's a distinct possibility.

Just to clarify, I say all of the above simply to make a point. I'm not jumping to any conclusions nor am I assuming that we are actually being strung along by a cynical upstart; simply saying that we're more than happy to permit such a situation to be prolonged on account of our own selfish interests, so we shouldn't pretend we're helpless. For what it's worth, I also happen to think that the way O'Neill has been dealing with it is spot on, for now.


June might be too soon - and probably bad faith given the year off deal - but call him up for the seniors in August/September.

I agree. If he wants to return to the green, as clearly expressed, hold him to his word. If he doesn't want a senior call-up come September, my patience will wear thin then, but I'm prepared, out of good honest faith in the integrity and clarity of the spoken word (rather than complete blind naïvity), to take him at his word for now. I don't think I could defend pandering to someone after they've gone back on their word. I'm well aware there's a possibility of it hapening, as there is with anything, but I'd rather not be the one to engage in bad faith first by assuming him to be lying to us.

[SkStu]

Good article by Ian Rush on Jack Grealish

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/ian-rush-john-bull-is-talking-bull-by-saying-grealish-isnt-irish-31170118.html

Good article. I like how well he calls out the hypocrisy of the lecturing the Brit media is doing and the fact that they couldn't have cared less a week ago. Good to see that coming from someone of Rush's standing.

[gastric]

He would appreciate the arrogance of the English media having played for a smaller country in Wales. Agreed, good article and great to have you back Stu!

[DannyInvincible]

It's the hope that kills you with Grealish really. If only Trap was still in charge, at least we wouldn't have to burden ourselves; we'd already know for sure that hope of seeing a young creative ball-player in the green was a complete waste of time…

[SkStu]

He would appreciate the arrogance of the English media having played for a smaller country in Wales. Agreed, good article and great to have you back Stu!

Cheers G!

[Deckydee]

http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-700/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/4/24/1398350373252/Noel-Gallagher-004.jpg

Yes indeed. A real irishman...

Don't forget this brother:
http://live4ever.live4evermediall.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/union-jack-small.jpg

Another proud irishman.

<MOD EDIT>
The images were giving malware warnings, so I've replaced them with similar images from different sites.

[tetsujin1979]

Both of whom were born in England.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I don't think Ireland's interests are selfish. Grealish was given his first International cap by Ireland, was capped at several underage levels by Ireland and was glad to accept the benefits of a higher profile by being an Ireland International player. I don't think it's selfish to expect or want him to accept a senior call up or simply transmit a bit of clarity.

I think it's pretty obvious at this stage that Fallon either doesn't know as much as any other journalist on the matter and/or is getting strung along.

And I don't think O'Neill and Keane were frustrated after his first call up snub. I think the frustration started setting in two or three months afterwards, after further confusion.

[DannyInvincible]

This man also professed to be an Irishman:

http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/41/590x/secondary/200762.jpg
"I was born in the island of Ireland. I have Irish traits in me - we don't all have the traits of what came from Scotland, there is the celtic factor... and I am an Irishman because you cannot be an Ulsterman without being an Irishman. (http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/issues/politics/union/fcchap2.htm)"

She didn't compete due to injury, but was Sonia O'Sullivan less Irish when she was selected for the Australian Commonwealth Games team in 2006?

Is Michael Fassbender less Irish when he speaks German?

Are these players any less Irish?:

http://www.mlssoccer.com/sites/league/files/imagecache/620x350/image_nodes/2013/06/20130226_7440.jpg

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LTfwljQDlmg/hqdefault.jpg

[DannyInvincible]

I don't think Ireland's interests are selfish. Grealish was given his first International cap by Ireland, was capped at several underage levels by Ireland and was glad to accept the benefits of a higher profile by being an Ireland International player. I don't think it's selfish to expect or want him to accept a senior call up or simply transmit a bit of clarity.

He's shown up for us in the past when called upon (excepting more recently, of course), so it's not as if he hasn't been answering the call, since the age of 14. The FAI benefit too when he accepts a call-up and offers his services, so I don't think it's an accurate portrayal to suggest we're being selflessly altruistic here or that the benefit is flowing only one way in the relationship. We select him for a reason; not just for the craic.

Clarity from him at this moment is an expectation the FAI/Martin do not have, whether we like it or not. I think it's fair enough we give him the time he's expressly agreed himself - the only expectation I would have upon him would be to hold him to his own spoken word - although I civilly appreciate you differ in your opinion. If we want clarity, we should be imploring the FAI to issue him an ultimatum. I would say our/Ireland's interest is inherently selfish (in the most literal sense of the word rather than the sense with negative, greedy, self-obsessed connotations) seeing as we stand to gain and we're playing the game we hope will bloom the most favourable result for us. Otherwise, we'd already have issued him an ultimatum or forgotten about him. We're very much interested in him and want to see him play in the green for our own benefit; I would say that's self-interested, or selfish, in other words.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Richard Look At Me Sadlier thinks Jack should declare for England.

http://www.joe.ie/sport/richard-sadlier-says-jack-grealishs-best-option-is-to-declare-for-england/493530


"When you remove Ireland's self-interest and look objectively at the options he has, the obvious conclusion is to pick England if they want him to play," Sadlier writes.

"England is where he was born and where he grew up.

"It's where both his parents were born, too. He has lived there all his life and was due to play for them at under 15 level, but got sick prior to the match and left the squad.

"He has since played for Ireland all the way up to under 21, but there's a real doubt as to whether he will do so again. And it's not hard to see why he is hedging his bets as long as he can."

Sadlier uses the example of his former Millwall team-mate Tim Cahill, who lined out for Western Samoa as a youngster without thinking he could ever play for Australia. Happily for Cahill, in 2004 FIFA relaxed the rules that dictated a player stick with a country he chose to play for as an adolescent.

That same rule could now see Grealish play for England.

"Ireland aren't Western Samoa, obviously, and Australia aren't England. Grealish may never get near to the level Cahill reached either," adds Sadlier.

"But like Cahill did back then, Grealish might be regretting a decision he made when he was in his mid-teens. Some players have a desire to do more than just play.

"They want to play on the biggest stage they can. A burning ambition to be at every major tournament possible shouldn't need any explanation. Grealish won't fulfil that if he chooses Ireland and that's why he shouldn't."

[DannyInvincible]

Richie Sadlier suggests he should declare for England: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/richard-sadlier-looking-at-it-objectively-jack-grealishs-best-option-is-england-31171799.html


The greatest argument against [him selecting England], and perhaps the only one, is that it will be easier to be selected for Ireland. That it would be his best chance to win caps. Looking objectively, though, if one team's best sales pitch is that they're worse than the other one, then maybe Grealish is right to take his chances elsewhere.

[DannyInvincible]

I like Sadlier. Whatever his opinion, he's informed and forthright. People call him Dunphy-lite, but I think Sadlier is far more on-the-pulse.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Richard Sadlier.

The same chap that wore a Glasgow Rangers kit as a teenager to get attention from people and has carried that same provocative attitude into his media career.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Kenny "Rocky Balboa" Cunningham v Chris "Apollo Creed" Sutton


Kenny Cunningham has called on Ireland not to beg Jack to put back on the green jersey.

The former Ireland international gave his two cents on the Jack Grealish international saga in a recent appearance on Setanta.

Cunningham discussed the Aston Villa starlet's international future with Chris Sutton, who implied that the better Grealish gets, the more likely he is to play for England.

However, Cunningham opposed this sentiment, claiming that the decision will be a strictly personal one.


"It doesn't matter if England want him (or) how good he gets, the decision's got to come down to the player."

"In football, we're constantly saying 'don't let your emotions come into it'. In this particular situation when your'e choosing which international side to play for, emotion means absolutely everything."

"He's been in the underage group since he was 14 years of age. I don't understand it."



The former Irish defender then argued that Grealish should be left to make his own mind over his future for himself and Ireland shouldn't beg him to return to wearing the green jersey. He feels that if Grealish wishes to play at senior level for Ireland, he should personally contact Martin O'Neill to show his loyalty.


"I want to see Jack Grealish pick up the phone to Martin O'Neill, not his agent, not his Dad, him himself and convince Martin O'Neill of his commitment."



At this point, Sutton interjected, "we know that's not going to happen. Ireland need to snap him up quickly."

Cunningham was adamant though that the Irish squad do not need Grealish unless he wishes to play for them. He reiterated his stance that it should be up to Grealish to request to play for Ireland, and not the other way around.


"No, we don't. I don't want us to go cap in hand on bended knee to any player and implore them to put on the green jersey. He's got to want to do it."

"This is the reality of the situation in international football in Ireland. You've got to be prepared to walk over broken glass to put that jersey on. He's got to prove it."



http://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/jack-grealish-should-prove-he-wants-to-play-for-ireland-we-shouldnt-beg-says-kenny-cunningham/22512

[tricky_colour]

They want to be humiliated on the biggest stage they can.

[Olé Olé]

With all this talk of Jack playing with England and playing in more major tournaments than ourselves, I'm trying to calculate the odds of all of the following occurring at once: 1. Jack actually becomes good enough to be in an England tournament squad. 2. Jack is fit to play in a tournament when it comes around. 3. Ireland don't make it to any major tournaments.

[tetsujin1979]

Richard Sadlier.

The same chap that wore a Glasgow Rangers kit as a teenager to get attention from people and has carried that same provocative attitude into his media career.
Or, he wore their jersey because he was a Rangers fan: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/footballs-senseless-bigotry-hasnt-gone-away-you-know-26726387.html

[seanfhear]

http://www.thestar.ie/star/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/thumbNO-FEE-RIDE2TEDFEST-7.jpgI think all the controversy is beginning to have an effect on Jack ! ! !

[IsMiseSean]

If anyone wants a good laugh on the issue, watch the Sunday supplement on Sky Sports. Apparently Jack will have to apologise for choosing Ireland at underage level if he decides to represent England.

[tetsujin1979]

Presumably they've already gotten their apology from Michael Keane

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/richest-pearl-of-all-about-to-be-lost-31171834.html

"Grealish has promised to return to the Irish football family in September and resume his career with the Ireland under 21s. This would be welcomed by O'Neill, but it wouldn't mean he was now committed to Ireland.

Grealish is unlikely to accept any invitation to play for England under 21s as that would commit him to the country of his birth as a player is only allowed one change of association".

"Inclusion of Jack Grealish in friendly games would have avoided tug of war".

Were the Oman and USA games not friendly games?

[TrapAPony]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/richest-pearl-of-all-about-to-be-lost-31171834.html

"Grealish has promised to return to the Irish football family in September and resume his career with the Ireland under 21s. This would be welcomed by O'Neill, but it wouldn't mean he was now committed to Ireland.''

If Grealish is willing to come back to the U21's in September then he should be willing to accept a Senior call up. The only reason he wants to go back to our u21's is that it still would leave the door open for an English call up. Find it all ridiculous tbh. If Jack 100% wanted to play for us it would have been well cleared up by now.

[DannyInvincible]

Fanning describes O'Neill's tenure so far as "strangely uninspiring". I think that's slightly unfair. We're only half way through the campaign, but Germany was inspiring, and the second-half performance against Poland too. Glasgow has been the only thing you could term a real slip-up to date.

The USA game was a friendly, but I get the impression you're asking that rhetorically, TOWK, because you're trying to make the point that Grealish rejected a call-up for that squad? Did he? His father was telling the media Jack would be included (presumably available) and then there was no sign of him. I took it to mean that Martin just ignored him, but am open to correction.

[tetsujin1979]

Ciaran O'Raghallaigh posted this on twitter: https://twitter.com/Ciaran_O/statuses/592373030749401088

Former team mate of Jack Grealish says he enjoyed "down to earth" Irish dressing room more.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDiIHiOWAAAzoW2.jpg
Doesn't say what paper it's from

<EDIT>

The full text of the article is here - http://www.4-traders.com/NEXTGEN-INC-11551399/news/Nextgen--NOW-JACKS-BOX-OFFICE--IRISH-FOOTBALL-THE-NEW-SENSATIONGrealish-could-spark-off-bidding-20259267/ - but I don't think it's the original publisher!

[Charlie Darwin]

From the Sunday Mirror I assume, which isn't online but tends to show up on some of the archive sources.

[the doc]

"No, we don't. I don't want us to go cap in hand on bended knee to any player and implore them to put on the green jersey. He's got to want to do it."


"This is the reality of the situation in international football in Ireland. You've got to be prepared to walk over broken glass to put that jersey on. He's got to prove it."


Well said, it's an honour to wear the Green shirt and play in front of our wonderful fans.

If your not 100% committed then we don't want you!