Aston Villa youngster Jack Grealish is set to spark an international tug-of-war between England and Ireland after impressing with the Premier League side.
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Grealish was superb in Villa’s FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool on Sunday, playing a vital hand in both of his side’s goals at Wembley.
According to The Telegraph, Grealish is wanted by the English Football Association but he has already played for Republic of Ireland youth sides.
The 19-year-old was born in Birmingham, however his father is from Dublin.
It is believed Grealish will turn down an approach from either England or Ireland when the two nations meet in Dublin on June 7.
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is expected to have a have a big influence on Grealish’s decision after giving the youngster an extended stint in the first team at Villa Park.
Sherwood was full of praise following the winger’s excellent showing against Liverpool, saying he had all the qualities to be considered a top-level footballer.
“He could be right up there amongst the best of them,” Sherwood is quoted as saying by The Independent.
“The ball is his friend. He likes to receive it he doesn’t look at it, he knows where it is, he shifts it, he’s got a turn of foot, takes a lot of knocks, but he can take it. He’s a big lad.”
Grealish has made 13 league appearances for Villa since making his debut late last season under Paul Lambert.
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