Don’t mention the G word.
Ok, we can’t possible do that.
The Jack Grealish saga has finally come to an end, but thankfully we don’t have to wait very long for the next Anglo-Irish battle for a youngster’s loyalty.
Coventry-born Dan Crowley has represented Ireland at Under-17 level as well as the England Under-19s.
Recent reports suggested the Arsenal midfielder was set to commit his future to Ireland, but it appears as though Crowley – who is currently on loan at Barnsley – has decided to stick with England for the time being, and has been named in Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-19 side for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Macedonia and Finland.
Just as in his pursuit of Grealish, Martin O’Neill held talks with the player’s father, as he explained last month:
“I spoke to his father,” O’Neill said. “We had a very civil conversation. We would have a real genuine interest in him, and would like to progress that if at all possible . I think there’s good will there.”
“I also thought that in the meeting between Jack Grealish and his father but that’s another matter.
“He certainly looks like he possesses the ability to go on and become a really decent player. He wants to demand the ball which is great in someone so young.”
It’s worth pointing out that playing for the England Under-19s wouldn’t prevent Crowley from declaring for Ireland in the future, but given the apparent optimism just last month that he could be called into Noel King’s Under-21 squad it represents another blow for Ireland on the back of Grealish’s decision to declare for the country of his birth.
Crowley is an exciting talent and will be known to Everton fans, who saw him score Barnsley’s third goal in the teams’ recent Capital One Cup meeting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrZLK943yd4