Jack Grealish

[Stuttgart88]

Did he not get the ball wide right on about 88 mins, evade a couple of tackles and find a neat inside pass with his right foot? Tidy and accomplished for an 18 year old if it was. They did lose 2 goals when he came on though. That would have had him damned in Trap's eyes!

[Charlie Darwin]

I thought that was Lowton but you might be right. There are a lot of skinny dark haired lads in that Villa team.

[back of the net]

Surely more game time in their final game ?

[Charlie Darwin]

Surely more game time in their final game ?
Maybe, maybe not. I think he only came on tonight because Villa were chasing the game and had nothing to lose. Maybe with Villa already safe Lambert to say to hell with it.

Commentator mentioned when he was coming on that "he's no relation to the late Tony Grealish, although he is an Irish u-21 international".

[geysir]

Maybe, maybe not. I think he only came on tonight because Villa were chasing the game and had nothing to lose. Maybe with Villa already safe Lambert to say to hell with it.

Commentator mentioned when he was coming on that "he's no relation to the late Tony Grealish, although he is an Irish u-21 international".
We (us Irish) all have a bit of Grealish in us apparently, but not our new hope, Jack.

[ArdeeBhoy]

He can if he wants, provided he hasn't appeared for our senior team.

Can't wait for Liverpool and City and unleash the legal action against Villa for putting him on the bench. It's going to get messy.

Hmm, but he's not going to be good enough, maybe even for us? Any why 'legal action'? He's their player...

[Charlie Darwin]

Hmm, but he's not going to be good enough, maybe even for us? Any why 'legal action'? He's their player...
I have no idea how good he'll be but I do know England have tried to get him into underage squads, and even recently he hinted that they were looking at him for the U18s before Noel King called him up to our 21s. He certainly has the potential to be a terrific player.

The legal action thing is a joke based on a post TOWK made on the previous page about City's rivals having a fit if Lambert played a youngster in tonight's game. It won't happen obviously.

[DannyInvincible]

According to Jack himself, the FA were previously in touch with him/his father but he turned down their advances.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Ah, fair enough...sounds like he'll land with us. Hope he makes it?

[Charlie Darwin]

Even if he doesn't make it with Villa, I'm reasonably confident he'll become a very good player. He's come off a very good season at League One level and will be targeting the Championship next season (as will Samir Carruthers) if he's not offered an immediate opportunity at Villa. I think liamoo might be right that we could see him in the travelling party to the US this summer, but even if he doesn't I think he's committed to us. It looks like Brady will miss the summer and Pilkington has had so many injuries he needs a summer off, so there's definitely a vacancy for a wing spot.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

IDK. Carruthers has been pretty inconsistent this season by all accounts. He might need another season at L1 but he still has plenty of time to make it at a higher level.

From what I can discern, Jack's International club is Ireland for the immediate future. He hasn't ruled anything out in terms of his long-term future. Obviously, our comparably limited playing pool offers him significantly more of an opportunity than he would get right now with England; and the lad is clearly desperate to play.

Still an interesting 1 or 2 years to come in terms of where he goes (club level)) and what decisions he makes.

I think it's nonsense to call him up this month, unless you want to give him the experience. The qualifiers are 3 months away and he is nowhere near ready. Our immediate focus should be on finding a way to integrate our system around Hoolahan, Reid or Ireland. Then there are lads like Hendrick and Meyler who still desperately need the match time. Gibson and Brady coming back from injury...

[Dunners]

Couldn’t disagree more - I think if your good enough your old enough

The higher the level this lads plays at the better , he has been nearly chopped in half in league 1 and gets up and gets on with it
Higher level arguably more time and space on the ball and he will terrorise defenders , already showing maturity beyond his years

I say get him on board now and throw him in , we need someone special in the team that can make things happen . Nothing to lose by bringing him
Who knows he might surprise a few of you on here.

[geysir]

This thread hasn't been the same since Liamoo's typo error (http://foot.ie/threads/148358-Jack-Grealish?p=1722911&viewfull=1#post1722911)

The thing is with us, we only ever have a solitary figure of hope coming along at any time, so yes we have to make sure he comes along on our side but we don't have get all protective and smothering. With James McCarthy, we were probably doing him the favour at the time to cap him competitively to get all that pressure of him and also put a stop to the nonsense that Trap wasn't dealing with it properly. But James was regular epl player, Grealish has had 5 minutes in an injury hit team.
Grealish has made his decision and it's disrespectful not to trust a player's word and cap him competitively long before his time in order to bind him.

[Dunners]

I’m not coming from the cap him quick brigade or questioning his commitment. I genuinely believe this kid will shine given an opportunity
What age was Robbie when fast tracked ? With McCarthy it was a disgrace that he was ignored so long before being trusted with a role that he was relishing in at Wigan
Which added fuel to the cap him or lose him argument.
Anyway back to my point – we know what the alternatives have to offer apart from Pilkington you has never been fully fit when called upon. So lets give youth a chance. As I said previously given more time and space Grealish will wreak havoc on opposing defenders.

[geysir]

The controversy over McCarthy getting capped competitively at the time was much more to do with Scotland overtly sniffing around him like a randy dog and James having had missed a more than a few previous call ups, all had brought feelings of 'insecurity' to the boil. McCarthy had a case for being in the squad then, but not a compelling case to start a competitive game. He was a genuine proven prospect at the time he was capped competitively.

If O'Neill calls up Grealish into the friendlies, then fine, take it from there. There's an organic process to follow.

[DannyInvincible]

McCarthy had a recurring injury problem and was playing for Wigan with the aid of painkillers at the time, if I remember correctly. The worry was that calling him up for non-competitive international games might only aggravate the problem, so I think there were a few instances where he'd declined to join our squad for that reason and ended up playing for Wigan then the following weekend. I'm pretty sure Wigan and the FAI were in agreement on this matter - that rest and recovery was needed when possible, rather than have him playing in friendlies - but it didn't prevent people accusing him of turning down call-ups with an eye on making a switch to Scotland. Of course, James had never even considered switching and was always committed to representing us.

[samhaydenjr]

OK, that runout would indicate that Lambert may well have immediate plans for Grealish - if this is the case, I think he should definitely be in the squad for the summer friendlies and should get maybe 15-20 minutes in at least two of the games. If he is playing first-team football for Villa (or even a decent Championship side) at the start of the season, put him in the squad for the games against Gibraltar and Germany. If we have a safe lead against Gibraltar, throw him on for the last quarter. If the tie in Germany looks lost, give him a few minutes to test himself against quality international opposition. That would set him up to be an impact sub for later qualifiers or even to play a more serious role in the Autumn 2015 qualifiers, particularly if next season does become his breakout year. Of course, if he just gets loaned out to a League One team, then obviously it isn't his time yet, but it would be nice to have him blooded into the team in case he starts the season like Ross Barkley started last season, for example.

[Dunners]

Agree 100% with Sam but hey instead we've gone with Connor Sammon to come as the impact sub - disappointed would be an understatement

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Michael Harriman started the final PL game of the 12/13 season for QPR. Samir Carruthers has played about 10 minutes worth of PL football. Derrick Williams and Matt Doherty have a full game of PL football between them. Let's call them all up. They have all technically played PL games so they must be PL players, right? God's sake.

The kid has 30 odd games of a League One relegation battle behind him. He is not ready yet. Wait until he has more than two minutes of PL or even Championship football played.

Sammon is mediocre. So is Walters. So is Cox. He has been no better or no worse than either of them. I find it quite strange that people had their minds made up about Sammon before he ever kicked a ball for us yet they think a kid that hasn't even fully developed yet is ready to play against teams like Germany and Poland.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Walters is OK, the bare minimum for decent international football. Cox one step down and Sammon at least one below that...

The best we can hope for JG is he's at least JW, as in an established (in his case) EPL player...

[liamoo11]

Why do you think Grealish will be involved? I don't think he's been mentioned by the coaches at all, has he? If guys like Eunan O'Kane and Sean Murray aren't there I'd be surprised to see Grealish.

And you don't think Carruthers will be kept on at Villa?
U are completely right Charles Carruthers Burke and Dreenan signed two year deals last summer my apologies. I assume Paul doolin has pulled rank and asked o neill to be allowed have grealish for the 19s qualifiers at end of may in Dublin. Will be great to see grealish and jack Byrne in same side with Alex I Hanlon. Well done Mr doolin

[Charlie Darwin]

Grealish hasn't played U19 for us, has he?

[tetsujin1979]

Was called into the squad but i think he never actually played. Definitely not in qualifiers, not sure about friendlies

[liamoo11]

Was called into the squad but i think he never actually played. Definitely not in qualifiers, not sure about friendlies

He was a sub for the there games in the first round qualifiers in 2012. Was some suggestion he had falling out with doolin but IM sure that's all sorted out so having him back for the qualifiers will be great.. Should have a serious chance of qualifying with the attacking quality in the present 19s. Hopefully b nice weather

[Charlie Darwin]

He was a sub for the there games in the first round qualifiers in 2012. Was some suggestion he had falling out with doolin but IM sure that's all sorted out so having him back for the qualifiers will be great.. Should have a serious chance of qualifying with the attacking quality in the present 19s. Hopefully b nice weather
Was there actually suggestion there was a falling out or do you just assume every time a player doesn't get his game that Doolin has had an argument with him?

[liamoo11]

Was there actually suggestion there was a falling out or do you just assume every time a player doesn't get his game that Doolin has had an argument with him?

Exactly.Every time a player who is clearly one of the most talented in his age group is left out I wonder out loud if there has been a falling out. History tells me this has been the case with brady and duffy in the past. I know we didnt have many more talented under 19s than grealish last season or this season which makes me wonder if there was a falling out considering he was not involved.

[Charlie Darwin]

Right, but when you say there was a "suggestion" you mean the only person who suggested it was you?

[liamoo11]

Right, but when you say there was a "suggestion" you mean the only person who suggested it was you?

Well i certainly suggested it but I am pretty sure his brother who posts on here and on villatalk made reference to tough times under doolin testing his commitment and noel king subsequently stepping in this time last season and bringing him into the 21s been a major boost for jack. Paul Doolin falls out with talented young irish players that is what the last few years tell me

[Charlie Darwin]

Yeah but there's been no suggestion he fell out with Grealish and you're just muddying the waters by suggesting he did.

[liamoo11]

Charles I wouldnt dare muddy the waters! Are you suggesting that grealish was left out of last years elite qualifiers and this years first round qualifiers and was an unused sub in all three first round qualifiers last season simply because we have an abundance of better players than him at under 19 level? If that was the situation we truely would have a golden generation , alas I fear not.

[Crosby87]

We have more of a golden shower.
What hotel do you randy chaps think the lads are staying in nyc? Maybe I can get an autograph.

[Charlie Darwin]

Charles I wouldnt dare muddy the waters! Are you suggesting that grealish was left out of last years elite qualifiers and this years first round qualifiers and was an unused sub in all three first round qualifiers last season simply because we have an abundance of better players than him at under 19 level? If that was the situation we truely would have a golden generation , alas I fear not.
I'd say he was left out because Doolin didn't deem him ready to play in the team, whether it was his physical development or he just thought it was a bit early for him. I really don't buy this image of Doolin as going around starting fights with his best players for no reason.

[DannyInvincible]

Well i certainly suggested it but I am pretty sure his brother who posts on here and on villatalk made reference to tough times under doolin testing his commitment and noel king subsequently stepping in this time last season and bringing him into the 21s been a major boost for jack.

Does Jack's brother post on here? Isn't it on YBIG he's posted from time to time?

[back of the net]

Think he posted a few times on YBIG...not sure he is a regular poster.

[Charlie Darwin]

It's started: https://vine.co/v/MphnOTOjD2U

Villa knocked out in the quarters of the Hong Kong Sevens, but Grealish finished top scorer nonetheless with six.

[Stuttgart88]

I wouldnt read anything into that outrageous piece of skill and quality finishing. The opposition weren't really trying and might have been tired and it's not as if it was the World Cup Final.

[paul_oshea]

I wouldnt either, the defending was woeful, falling over eachother, and plenty of mis-timed tackles. Good balance though by grealish.

[tetsujin1979]

Given: Jack will be a star for Villa - http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-coach-shay-given-7236201

[Razors left peg]

Ive been confident all along that we will keep this lad but the last week has made me wonder a little bit. Hes been talkin alot about England on his twitter account with the friendly etc and how he cant wait for the game on Saturday.

You would have to wonder that if he hit the ground running in the Premiership next season and scored a couple of good goals would he realistically turn down England if they came calling for a friendly or whatever. He probably should have been brought along to the States just to get involved in the set up.

[Yard of Pace]

Ive been confident all along that we will keep this lad but the last week has made me wonder a little bit. Hes been talkin alot about England on his twitter account with the friendly etc and how he cant wait for the game on Saturday.


Just had a scan through. I can only see two or three tweets concerning England. He also tweeted that he thinks Argentina or Spain will win, so he can't be that much of an England fan! Also, he seems more of a football fan in general, tweeting about different clubs and showing respect for Jari Litmanen (who was playing for Liverpool when Grealish was about 6 or 7 years old).
I wouldn't worry too much.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

He tweeted that he was supporting England during Euro 2012 so I don't see why this is such a big deal.

[DannyInvincible]

He tweeted that he was supporting England during Euro 2012 so I don't see why this is such a big deal.

You got a link to the tweet? Did he say he was supporting England only? Is it beyond the realms of possibility that he was supporting us too?

[geysir]

If he tweeted that, it would have been in this thread, Liamo would have been going ape, heading in Doolin's direction with an axe in his back pocket.

[tetsujin1979]

He's mentioned England a few times on twitter: https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=from%3AJackGrealish1%20England
very little there that makes me think he's going to play for them

[paul_oshea]

serious case of denial here.depending on what yer denial is I suppose.

Our best centre back. no suggestion indirectly about playing for England. Comical ally

[Olé Olé]

You got a link to the tweet? Did he say he was supporting England only? Is it beyond the realms of possibility that he was supporting us too?

It's buried in this thread somewhere but it went something like 'play for Ireland, support England #opinions.'

I'll have a look for it.

EDIT: I can't find the Tweet (only goes back as far as last year) but I paraphrased at the time as follows:

Jack tweeted recently that he wants Ireland to do well in the under 17 Euro's but that he wants England to win the senior one.

[DannyInvincible]

Was this the "offending" tweet?


Boom england to win eurosssss!!! You heard it here first!! (https://twitter.com/JackGrealish1/status/210417799967936513)

There was also this one a few months earlier:


What a ledge trip that was to Portugal, gutted I was ill for half of it.. Roll on the euros , 17th March get at me quicktime !!! #Ireland :) (https://twitter.com/JackGrealish1/status/167944867157254144)

I can't see any tweet resembling the one you quote, Olé Olé. That's not to say it doesn't exist, but I've searched for all tweets by him containing both "England" and "Ireland".


serious case of denial here.depending on what yer denial is I suppose.

Our best centre back. no suggestion indirectly about playing for England. Comical ally

I'm not comprehending you, Paul. Who's in denial and who is the centre back you're referring to?

[DannyInvincible]

It's buried in this thread somewhere but it went something like 'play for Ireland, support England #opinions.'

I'll have a look for it.

You sure you're not confusing it with this one?:


haha. im playing for Ireland mate. That interview is saying that England are coming in for me not saying i'm gonna play 4 them (https://twitter.com/JackGrealish1/status/442669165087035392)

[Olé Olé]

You sure you're not confusing it with this one?:

No, I'm certain. I posted about it on 03/04/2012 which predates that tweet. It went something like he hoped Ireland would win the under-17s (for whom he was playing) but wanted England to win at senior.

EDIT: Not sure how you're searching the tweets but the tweet to which I'm refering had '#opinions' at the end of it, if that helps.

[Stuttgart88]

serious case of denial here.depending on what yer denial is I suppose.

Our best centre back. no suggestion indirectly about playing for England. Comical ally
I have no idea what this post means. Any of it.