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Football

18th Aug 2015

Jack Grealish has requested even more time to decide on his international future

Time's ticking

Darragh Murphy

Remember when Jack Grealish suggested that he’d be deciding between Ireland and England in September?

Well, all of a sudden, September is 12 days away and there’s not a peep from the Aston Villa youngster.

Martin O’Neill today named his 37-man squad for Ireland’s upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia and, unsurprisingly, there was no sign of Jack Grealish on the list.

The Irish Independent report that Grealish, who has played for Ireland at U-17, U18 and U20 levels, is requesting a little bit more time to make his mind up.

Republic of Ireland Squad Training, Gannon Park, Malahide 8/6/2015 Republic of Ireland Manager Martin O'Neill Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

O’Neill spoke to the Birmingham-born 19-year-old recently and sounded quietly hopeful that the player will declare for Ireland.

“The situation with Jack is that I had a conversation with him and his father a week or 10 days ago. I thought it was pretty fruitful and Jack – I think he will decide very very shortly,” said O’Neill.

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