Jack Grealish should prove he wants to play for Ireland, we shouldn’t beg, says Kenny Cunningham

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."

Hat-tip to Setanta/Nathan Kelly