Jack Grealish

[IsMiseSean]

What should have happen.
O'Neill should have sounded out Grealish last week privately. When he declined the call up, it was between them no one else (not even the FAI).
When the squad was announced today, MON should have deflected questions on Grealish and remind everyone what Grealish said at the FAI awards about taking a break from international football to concentrate on Villa (a decision he respected) and say he expects to be able to consider Grealish for the senior team in Sept. End of!

That way Grealish is not being pressured into declaring, he can concentrate on Villa & the FA Cup Final and come to a decision over the summer.

[Charlie Darwin]

Grealish's dad reiterated the position he's taken all along - that Jack is unavailable for international consideration until September, and that he'd have said the same to England.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/jack-grealish-s-father-says-he-cannot-afford-any-distractions-1.2209974?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[IsMiseSean]

Sorry I forgot. Grealish took his break from International football earlier than the FAI awards but you know what I mean.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

The England senior national team calling him up isn't even a possibility at this stage. The U-21's on the other hand? And it's not the stance they have taken all along, there lies the problem. Sure wasn't his dad supposedly saying that Jack would be playing against the U.S.A.?

His dad is a good PR man, I'll give him that. If I was Gareth Bale, I would want him as my media rep.

[the doc]

The England senior national team calling him up isn't even a possibility at this stage. The U-21's on the other hand? And it's not the stance they have taken all along, there lies the problem. Sure wasn't his dad supposedly saying that Jack would be playing against the U.S.A.?

His dad is a good PR man, I'll give him that. If I was Gareth Bale, I would want him as my media rep.

Had the displeasure of meeting this person, a truly horrid loud mouthed uncouth person.
(Still enough about me!)

Reminds me of one of those chavs you see on TV when they've won the lottery.
(Which in a way he has, well for now anyhow)

[liamoo11]

Villa had six players called up to their victory shield provisional squad including grealish(who is eligible for under16s next season), Lewis and Graham a lad who played for us at under15s last season. Looks like we have lost out on Graham who is also a winger but I think we have the best of the deal if we keep Grealish! Graham is a tony Daley type Grealish is more of a Duff with passing ability!

Lads this story is no different to when we started this thread in 2011. He could have left us at any time in the last 5 years(like the graham lad did, like allasani ,bamford, keane, scott and even unfortunately crowley),. They were/are all lads who had big reputations and decided after playing for us to explore other options and the best of luck to them. Grealish didnt. He would have walked into the brits side in his age group all the way up from 16s Loftus cheek, ibe and wilson the only english lads of his group who have played any bit in premier league.

Sickens me all these lads having a go at Grealish. He was not staying with us for the last 6 years cause it helped his career or because he had no other options he was as talented and outstanding at 15 as he is now. He stayed cause he obviously loved playing for Ireland and hopefully he still does despite all those apes on twitter and ybig

[rellik]

Lads this story is no different to when we started this thread in 2011. He could have left us at any time in the last 5 years(like the graham lad did, like allasani ,bamford, keane, scott and even unfortunately crowley),. They were/are all lads who had big reputations and decided after playing for us to explore other options and the best of luck to them. Grealish didnt. He would have walked into the brits side in his age group all the way up from 16s Loftus cheek, ibe and wilson the only english lads of his group who have played any bit in premier league.

Sickens me all these lads having a go at Grealish. He was not staying with us for the last 6 years cause it helped his career or because he had no other options he was as talented and outstanding at 15 as he is now. He stayed cause he obviously loved playing for Ireland and hopefully he still does despite all those apes on twitter and ybig

Well said.

[DannyInvincible]

I reckon he's wanting to see if he gets called up to England's U21 side for the Euro's.

He won't be eligible to play for their under-21s until after the present under-21 competition/phase ends. He's already played for us in qualifying for this tournament, thus rendering him ineligible for them until the new phase in September.


I know there is no loyalty or sentimentality in this sport, so I am not going to whinge about him showing no reciprocation for the loyalty and time invested in him all through the underage levels, but he needs to start showing a bit of maturity and respect, and clarify the issue in a few months time.

So you're not going to whinge about his supposed lack of respect by, erm, whinging about his supposed lack of respect? Right... You make it sound like we're some helpless and selfless Mother Teresa-types here or something who've been just giving and giving and giving out of the sheer goodness of our hearts. Don't you realise we're indulging our own self-interest when we court him and permit the saga to continue? We've been investing time in him because we want him to consider us. He's been under no obligation to be turning up for us since aged 14 (despite the other options offered to him, as liamoo highlights); that's something tangible that he has returned that shouldn't be overlooked. He'll make his final decision in September. Leave him be 'til then. There was no need for this media circus today. Martin's said he he doesn't feel rebuffed and Noel King has been clear that he's fine with the situation too, so there's no reason for you to feel disrespected. Grealish owes you absolutely nothing.

[RiffRaff]

Time to draw a line under this for me. We cant continue begging this guy to play for us. We should forget it unless he contacts to say he has decided he wants to play for us. And preferably him and not his dad who seems to be getting celebrity status at this stage. For me playing for your country should be the ultimate aim for any player

[liamoo11]

Time to draw a line under this for me. We cant continue begging this guy to play for us. We should forget it unless he contacts to say he has decided he wants to play for us. And preferably him and not his dad who seems to be getting celebrity status at this stage. For me playing for your country should be the ultimate aim for any player



Who is begging? You realise he has played for us since under 15s dont you? You realise that he didnt leave to play for england at any time despite his england age group been much more likely to qualify for tournaments than us like they did at his 19s age group? You realise that he stayed with us when his teammate at villa graham who both made their debuts together at 15s left to play for england? You realise that he didnt leave to play for england when Doolin left him out of the 19s squad all last season ? The lad has done plenty for his country.You will have lots of love over on YBIG

[gastric]

A very measured and honest account of where Grealish is at Liamoo. Having read some of the more distasteful and hostile quotes on other sites, I feel we have many who can match OWC posters for hysteria and vitriol!

[Gather round]

A very measured and honest account of where Grealish is at Liamoo. Having read some of the more distasteful and hostile quotes on other sites, I feel we have many who can match OWC posters for hysteria and vitriol!

Evening Mr G. Fancy that, anonymous trolls on the internet get hysterical. Bears sh*t, Pope Catholic etc.

I hope he turns out for your September games.

[GypsyBlackCat]

He won't be eligible to play for their under-21s until after the present under-21 competition/phase ends. He's already played for us in qualifying for this tournament, thus rendering him ineligible for them until the new phase in September.



So you're not going to whinge about his supposed lack of respect by, erm, whinging about his supposed lack of respect? Right... You make it sound like we're some helpless and selfless Mother Teresa-types here or something who've been just giving and giving and giving out of the sheer goodness of our hearts. Don't you realise we're indulging our own self-interest when we court him and permit the saga to continue? We've been investing time in him because we want him to consider us. He's been under no obligation to be turning up for us since aged 14 (despite the other options offered to him, as liamoo highlights); that's something tangible that he has returned that shouldn't be overlooked. He'll make his final decision in September. Leave him be 'til then. There was no need for this media circus today. Martin's said he he doesn't feel rebuffed and Noel King has been clear that he's fine with the situation too, so there's no reason for you to feel disrespected. Grealish owes you absolutely nothing.

I didn't know about the under 21s thing. But maybe that's his thinking?

I agree with the second part. I was talking to a mate last night who was giving Grealish dogs abuse. I pointed out that many of the RoI played under age football for NI. His response was 'that's different'. The only difference is Grealish hasn't pick anybody yet! The lad, like the Northern Ireland lads, has the right to change his mind. We all viewed the world differently at 14 and maybe he feels more English now than Irish? Or maybe he thinks he's good enough to break into the England squad and believes it will benefit his career? Or maybe he's wondering if he should let his heart rule his head and choose Ireland?

It's annoying but what can we do? As Danny said, he owes us nothing.

[Wolfman]

Dullest thread ever.

[gastric]

Evening Mr G. Fancy that, anonymous trolls on the internet get hysterical. Bears sh*t, Pope Catholic etc.

I hope he turns out for your September games.

My point is that when it comes to hysteria and myopia, many OWC posters are in a league of their own!

[DannyInvincible]

A very measured and honest account of where Grealish is at Liamoo. Having read some of the more distasteful and hostile quotes on other sites, I feel we have many who can match OWC posters for hysteria and vitriol!

Terrible hypocrisy and embarrassing. The British media (Birmingham Mail/Daily Mail/Mirror) have been more than happy to pick up on and report it: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-star-jack-grealish-9244981


‘F*** off you British c***,’ said ‏@fernando_shane.

‘f*** you ye English p****,’ wrote @SeanYeah1.

@DickensLewis posted: ‘I EXPECT YOU AT AWAY DAYS SINGING F*** THE IRA’.

That sort of crap is a bad as the bitter sectarian bile our northern players have spewed at them.


I didn't know about the under 21s thing. But maybe that's his thinking?

Not sure what you're getting at exactly. He could still have continued playing for our under-21s this year but played for them in September, although he's stated he hopes to be back in green in September. He could even have played in the senior game against England and still played for their under-21s in September (if that is actually his secret plan, despite his father saying that he would also ahve turned down an England call-up yesterday).

[GypsyBlackCat]

Terrible hypocrisy and embarrassing. The British media (Birmingham Mail/Daily Mail/Mirror) have been more than happy to pick up on and report it: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-star-jack-grealish-9244981



That sort of crap is a bad as the bitter sectarian bile our northern players have spewed at them.



Not sure what you're getting at exactly. He could still have continued playing for our under-21s this year but played for them in September, although he's stated he hopes to be back in green in September. He could even have played in the senior game against England and still played for their under-21s in September (if that is actually his secret plan, despite his father saying that he would also ahve turned down an England call-up yesterday).

I don't myself?!!!

I know that Southgate had him watched a few times. I'm just wondering if he's keeping an open mind to a call up for the England Under21s. I'm not slating the lad, he might just feel like not playing for our under 21s and then jump ship to England's. I'm just think out loud. We just have to wait and see.

[Gather round]

My point is that when it comes to hysteria and myopia, many OWC posters are in a league of their own!

Whataboutery alert. I take your point, but evidence suggests they're pretty much as bad as each other.

In other OWC/ NISC news, alas I've been excluded from our glamor Qatar friendly at Crewe. The plan was a supporters' coach from London which would pick me up en route at Birmingham West services. But now they're all going by expensive train so as to get blocked. Bah.

[gastric]

[QUOTE=Gather round;1818670]Whataboutery alert. I take your point, but evidence suggests they're pretty much as bad as each other.

In other OWC/ NISC news, alas I've been excluded from our glamor Qatar friendly at Crewe. The plan was a supporters' coach from London which would pick me up en route at Birmingham West services. But now they're all going by expensive train so as to get blocked. Bah.[/QUOTE. I have often been very critical of the actions of OWC posters in the past for comments they have made and now that idiots are doing the same to Grealish I am mortified and embarrassed. GA, I think for once we are in complete agreement!

[tetsujin1979]

The debate in the thread since the announcement yesterday has been reasoned and I appreciate that, but if it veers into oneupmanship and insults, I'll lock it again until September

This is not aimed at anyone in particular, just FYI

[tetsujin1979]

Terrible hypocrisy and embarrassing. The British media (Birmingham Mail/Daily Mail/Mirror) have been more than happy to pick up on and report it: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-star-jack-grealish-9244981

If I was him, I'd delete the twitter app off my phone for a while, some of the mentions he's getting are pretty disgusting: https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=to%3AJackGrealish1

Just in relation to Kenny Cunningham and Brian O'Driscoll joining the debate - neither of them had to choose what country to play for, so I really don't think either of them should comment on it. I'd be more interested in hearing the opinions of players with dual nationalities - Kilbane, Keown, Clark, etc

[Wolfman]

Like who?

[shakermaker1982]

Kilbane has had his say on the BBC. Just seen it pop up on Twitter.


The lad could knock this all on the head by saying he'll be representing Ireland from September. It would take 10 seconds to type on Twitter.

[TrapAPony]

Agree with Shakermaker. It would only take 2 seconds to end this if he wanted to. Tbh I think the Grealish family are enjoying all the headlines Jack is making. The more people keep talking about him the better it will be for Jack in getting a better contract & other deals etc. There is no such thing as bad publicity.

[GypsyBlackCat]

If I was him, I'd delete the twitter app off my phone for a while, some of the mentions he's getting are pretty disgusting: https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=to%3AJackGrealish1

Just in relation to Kenny Cunningham and Brian O'Driscoll joining the debate - neither of them had to choose what country to play for, so I really don't think either of them should comment on it. I'd be more interested in hearing the opinions of players with dual nationalities - Kilbane, Keown, Clark, etc

I agree.

Cunningham and O'Driscoll are both born and bred Irish, Grealish isn't. He was only 14 when he decide to play for Ireland and maybe now he feels more English than Irish. Cunningham and O'Driscoll only had Ireland to choose from so it's a no brainer for them. At the end of the day it's only a game. No need for a for that vile nonsense.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Terrible hypocrisy and embarrassing. The British media (Birmingham Mail/Daily Mail/Mirror) have been more than happy to pick up on and report it: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-star-jack-grealish-9244981



That sort of crap is a bad as the bitter sectarian bile our northern players have spewed at them.



Not sure what you're getting at exactly. He could still have continued playing for our under-21s this year but played for them in September, although he's stated he hopes to be back in green in September. He could even have played in the senior game against England and still played for their under-21s in September (if that is actually his secret plan, despite his father saying that he would also ahve turned down an England call-up yesterday).


Find it incredibly annoying that most media outlets and a large number of writers seem to think that copying and pasting a load of twitter posts constitutes journalism in this day and age. Definitely becoming a grumpy old *******....

[Eminence Grise]

I teach journalism students - literacy is an optional extra, D69er!

[DannyInvincible]

Dan McDonnell suggesting things might have been positively different had Grealish been called into the US tour squad last summer: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/oneills-regrets-will-centre-on-lost-opportunity-of-last-summer-31217957.html

Like I said with Dunphy's comments, it's very easy to say that now in hindsight. Correct me if my memory is wronging me, but was anyone suggesting back last June that he should be even near the senior team? Besides, had a senior interest been made known to him then, perhaps it simply would have triggered an international break earlier.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Something really rubbed me up the wrong way about how we were described as a "distraction". I found it pretty disrespectful and arrogant. I think he could have chose his words more tactfully.

[DannyInvincible]

Let's not twist what was said, please. Kevin Grealish made clear that an England invite would also have "act[ed] as a distraction to [Jack] keeping his [Villa] place". International football generally was the potential distraction; not Ireland specifically. No need to take it personally. He even said he appreciated Martin's interest, but that the agreement already in place obviously stood.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

England's interest is purely hypothetical. Ireland have called him up or attempted to call him up several times now without any degree of success. Let's not pretend that England are getting shafted here, please. I sincerely doubt he would turn down an England call up and risk potentially burning those bridges.

I find the idea that anyone would find International football a "distraction" quite strange. I would find it equally strange if I had no personal investment in it.

Alan Judge accepted a call up even though Brentford are trailing Middlesbrough and need two goals in a Championship Playoff. Harry Arter accepted a call up even though Bournemouth were fighting to secure promotion. Darren O'Dea spoke of his hope of earning another Ireland call up even though he is trying to secure employment.

I am trying to give the benefit of the doubt here, but 6 months ago he was focusing on getting a new contract over the line. 6 months later, he is focusing on securing Villa's Premier League status. In 6 months time, he will be focusing on something else.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/vincent-hogan-time-for-grealish-to-decide-on-nationality-not-a-consolation-prize-31217958.html

Vincent Hogan: Time for Grealish to decide on nationality, not a consolation prize

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/lastminute-uturn-sees-grealish-opt-out-having-agreed-to-join-ireland-squad-31217960.html

Grealish u-turn after Sherwood intervention?

[DannyInvincible]

England's interest is purely hypothetical. Ireland have called him up or attempted to call him up several times now without any degree of success. Let's not pretend that England are getting shafted here, please. I sincerely doubt he would turn down an England call up and risk potentially burning those bridges.

You suspect Kevin Grealish a bull****ter; fair enough. I'm not prepared, nor do I feel anywhere near being in a position, to go as far as accusing Kevin Grealish of that as there's no way of knowing either way for sure. All we presently have to go on is his word. (England have been rejected on multiple occasions in the past too, it should be remembered.)


I find the idea that anyone would find International football a "distraction" quite strange. I would find it equally strange if I had no personal investment in it.

Alan Judge accepted a call up even though Brentford are trailing Middlesbrough and need two goals in a Championship Playoff. Harry Arter accepted a call up even though Bournemouth were fighting to secure promotion. Darren O'Dea spoke of his hope of earning another Ireland call up even though he is trying to secure employment.

Fair play to them, but different circumstances. Why apply their circumstances to Grealish? Grealish's are unique to himself. And, as you know, it's not unprecedented for young players to focus on breaking through at their clubs at the expense of international football for a temporary period of time.


I am trying to give the benefit of the doubt here, but 6 months ago he was focusing on getting a new contract over the line. 6 months later, he is focusing on securing Villa's Premier League status. In 6 months time, he will be focusing on something else.

TOWK in trying-to-give-the-benefit-of-the-doubt shocker? I'm not convinced. You habitually favour siding with extreme scepticism and suspicion. ;)

Grealish said he hopes to be back in September. That's the agreement; that's his word. If he goes back on that in order to focus on something else in September, fair enough, forget about him. But you can do no more than speculate now. I'm not sure how assuming he'll be asking to prolong his break in September is an attempt to give the lad the benefit of the doubt. It's outright distrust surely.

[DannyInvincible]

Just in relation to Kenny Cunningham and Brian O'Driscoll joining the debate - neither of them had to choose what country to play for, so I really don't think either of them should comment on it. I'd be more interested in hearing the opinions of players with dual nationalities - Kilbane, Keown, Clark, etc

Interesting read, this...

'Why I chose to play for Ireland - former internationals explain their decisions': http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/why-i-chose-to-play-for-ireland-former-internationals-explain-their-decisions-31202072.html

Features quotes from Kevin Sheedy, Ray Houghton, Jason McAteer, Steve Heighway, Steve Finnan, Mark Lawrenson, Michael Robinson and David Kelly. David Kelly turned down an invite to play for the England under-21s against Yugoslavia in 1987 in order to join up with Ireland.

[tricky_colour]

Is it fair to suggest that IF England called him up today , that Jack would have given them the same answer that he gave MON?

What you mean "I'm holding out for a better offer" ;)

[tricky_colour]

It really is pointless trying to force the lad hand, people have been saying he could have accepted a call up
if he want to play, likewise if he wanted to play for England he could have said so, fact is he is undecided.

When you are undecided it is sensible not to rush to a decision either way.

He is doing the right thing keeping his options open and trying to put pressure on him will
not help the matter IMO, infact it could well have the opposite of the desired effect.

Nagging people does not tend you to endear them to you.

In fact I will say that again.

Nagging people does not tend you to endear them to you.

Once more for good luck :)

Nagging people does not tend you to endear them to you.

[gastric]

It really is pointless trying to force the lad hand, people have been saying he could have accepted a call up
if he want to play, likewise if he wanted to play for England he could have said so, fact is he is undecided.

When you are undecided it is sensible not to rush to a decision either way.

He is doing the right thing keeping his options open and trying to put pressure on him will
not help the matter IMO, infact it could well have the opposite of the desired effect.

Nagging people does not tend you to endear them to you.

In fact I will say that again.

Nagging people does not tend you to endear them to you.

Once more for good luck :)

Nagging people does not tend you to endear them to you.

Might you mean nagging people does not tend to endear you to them? Or do I need to repeat it three times to nag you?:D

[tricky_colour]

Might you mean nagging people does not tend to endear you to them? Or do I need to repeat it three times to nag you?:D

I will tell you what I mean in September (or whatever) ;)

[SkStu]

Interesting read, this...

'Why I chose to play for Ireland - former internationals explain their decisions': http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/why-i-chose-to-play-for-ireland-former-internationals-explain-their-decisions-31202072.html

Features quotes from Kevin Sheedy, Ray Houghton, Jason McAteer, Steve Heighway, Steve Finnan, Mark Lawrenson, Michael Robinson and David Kelly. David Kelly turned down an invite to play for the England under-21s against Yugoslavia in 1987 in order to join up with Ireland.

Lovely piece that. All shades of Irishness there and, apart from Heighway, a large degree of pride and satisfaction in their decisions. That said, footie has lost its soul over the last 15-20 years and players and their agents control the game and make calculated, self centred decisions. There's an innocence to a lot of those tales that is admirable but sadly lost to us.

[SkStu]

I find the idea that anyone would find International football a "distraction" quite strange. I would find it equally strange if I had no personal investment in it.

Unless you're a 19 year old who has just broken into a premiership first team, subsequently performed to a generally stellar level and blamelessly brought a whirlwind of media controversy with you, how can you possibly, reasonably comment on the level of distraction that the call up would bring? From an reasonable outsider perspective it's fair to recognize that there's an unprecedented level of pressure on Grealish at the moment. Nailing his colours to either mast would cause various levels of uproar, the type of additional attention that he just doesn't need right now. Give him some grace. Lest we forget, the Irish camp is to blame for this weeks fiasco. They needed to just leave him the fck alone for a few months.

[tricky_colour]

Lovely piece that. All shades of Irishness there and, apart from Heighway, a large degree of pride and satisfaction in their decisions. That said, footie has lost its soul over the last 15-20 years and players and their agents control the game and make calculated, self centred decisions. There's an innocence to a lot of those tales that is admirable but sadly lost to us.

Has it crossed anyone's mind Jack may not be too keen on play for either England or Ireland?

Clubs tend to come first these days and a lot of managers would rather their players concentrated on playing for their club

[DannyInvincible]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/lastminute-uturn-sees-grealish-opt-out-having-agreed-to-join-ireland-squad-31217960.html

Grealish u-turn after Sherwood intervention?


The Irish Independent has learned that the 19-year-old Aston Villa player had agreed to be named in the squad for the June games with England and Scotland only to withdraw early yesterday.

It is believed that Grealish's father Kevin had made the agreement with O'Neill on Monday evening, only to have a change of heart yesterday.

Sources have claimed that the withdrawal followed a late intervention by Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood.

So, had Grealish definitely agreed to be in the squad at one point on Monday night (despite his break) before then changing his mind last-minute (possibly after having had a conversation with Sherwood on Tuesday morning)? His father seemed to suggest that the answer to Martin always had been 'no' and that it always would have been 'no', irrespective of who was asking it. But this can't be true if there was an agreement to join the squad on Monday night and then a U-turn.

[TrapAPony]

So, had Grealish definitely agreed to be in the squad at one point on Monday night (despite his break) before then changing his mind last-minute (possibly after having had a conversation with Sherwood on Tuesday morning)? His father seemed to suggest that the answer to Martin always had been 'no' and that it always would have been 'no', irrespective of who was asking it. But this can't be true if there was an agreement to join the squad on Monday night and then a U-turn.

Ya, heard his father only came out with the statement re always been "no" just to protect Sherwood the man who Jack has a lot of time for due to giving him his big break at Villa. Nobody was meant to know about Sherwood talking Jack into a u-turn. The call from Sherwood was allegedly the reason why Martin O'Neill was 40 or so mins late for the Press conference. It's all ifs, buts & maybes but either Sherwood wants Jack to avoid the media frenzy of a possible call-up v England or he talked him into a u-turn to keep him available for Southgate/Hodgson.

[DannyInvincible]

Tim "Roberto Martinez" Sherwood!

[the doc]

Time we told the little runt and chav Snr where to go!
I'm with Kenny C and BoD on this one.

About time posters on here showed some pride and self respect for their country instead of making painfully embarrassing reasons why the runt isn't declaring.

He's just another James McClean

Do you honestly think he would be accepted by the senior players after the way he's gone about things?

One word "No"

[shakermaker1982]

Didn't you threaten to play for the North Sean?

[DannyInvincible]

Didn't you threaten to play for the North Sean?


Can't understand why there is no place for Preston's Sean St Ledger who is in outstanding form right now.
Strange indeed, spoke to a coach in the game who told me, that Kerr had been keen to get him into the set up when he was in charge and that many in the game rate him as a better player than McShane and Bruce.
Could be a big loss if Ireland don't play him soon as he is also eligible to play for the Northies too

Sean claims he was only saying it as deceptive bait in order to catch the FAI's attention but that he would never seriously have considered playing for NI. How's that for respect for your country?

[shakermaker1982]

All this media nonsense would go away if he just came out with a 'I still want to play for Ireland'. Would kill the speculation dead. Instead people are making up rubbish, blaming MON, blaming Sherwood etc.

If the lad wants to play for us brilliant.

If not we move on.

I was born in England but to two Irish parents. I've only ever supported Ireland. Only attended Ireland games and would only consider playing for Ireland. The success of the two respective nations wouldn't even enter my head - I hope Grealish is thinking the same way. However every individual is different and I respect whatever decision he has gone with - however he must surely know NOW.

He may be still a youngster but he's still a man. He can vote, drink or have kids. He should know where his heart lies and he doesn't need his dad doing all the talking for him. Christ - He's only played a handful of games and his dad is quoted more than Messi and Ronaldo put together!

There was an interview with Southgate a few weeks ago on sky and he said they won't be begging him to play for England. We shouldn't either. We called him up and it appears that he said no. If it's a 'I'm not sure no' then we move on. If it was a 'No, not now but in September I'm up for it' then fair enough call him up then....but the management team shouldn't be going begging. Despite what that idiot Dunphy thinks.

[DannyInvincible]

All this media nonsense would go away if he just came out with a 'I still want to play for Ireland'. Would kill the speculation dead. Instead people are making up rubbish, blaming MON, blaming Sherwood etc.

I dunno. People and the media will always speculate; it's human nature to let our emotional/irrational side run wild sometimes. The media did the same with McCarthy and demands were made of McCarthy on this forum to explain himself and put the rumours of a potential switch to Scotland to bed, in spite of the fact he had done nothing wrong and the media were simply whipping up the paranoia. I can see why players mightn't be too keen on coming out to deny or confirm every item of speculation in the media; it'd be never-ending. Why would they bother engaging with a beast that has little respect for them? It's not Grealish who owes the media an explanation; it's the media who owe him a bit of time and respect. The same applies to us fans. He's told us he hopes to be back in September. Leave him be 'til then.

[Stuttgart88]

Big games coming up, yet another week dominated by a player not playing for us.

I have a hunch he will play for us but that's only a guess.