Monday 1 June 2015 18:44, UK
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend has urged Jack Grealish to “get on with it” and decide his international future.
Aston Villa midfielder Grealish, who is also eligible to play for England, rejected a call-up to the Ireland senior squad last month despite representing the country at youth level.
He has not yet committed himself to either nation, and Townsend has called on the 19-year-old to make up his mind.
“He has a strong Irish background but he’s a Brummie and born in the UK, so there are similarities between him and myself,” Townsend told Sky Sports News HQ.
“But I don’t believe that you should be taking forever and a day to make a decision like this.
“By now, Jack must know whether his heart lies in a green shirt or whether he’d like to represent England. I think he must know so I don’t understand what the wait is now.”
Townsend, who also grew up in England and played for Villa, has warned Grealish to “be careful”.
“Jack must know where he wants to pledge his allegiance and whichever way that is then good luck to him. But it’s time to get on with it.
“I don’t think there should be a big drama drawn out over a long period because in the end it can start to get a little disrespectful."
