Shay Given has said that Jack Grealish is 'confused' about his international future as speculation intensifies in the aftermath of the youngster's star turn at Wembley on Sunday. Speaking on Off The Ball on Monday evening, the Ireland goalkeeper confirmed that although he was encouraging Grealish to stay with Ireland, things were still far from certain.
I'm in his ear all the time but he's a little bit confused, he's a very young man and it's such a big decision to be making at a young age.
Given went on to share his opinion that the decision for the 19 year old is only going to become more difficult in the coming weeks as the English FA look to step up their efforts to convince Grealish to switch international allegiances.
The English FA will be thinking, my God, we've got to get this boy onto our books as well. He's played underage with Ireland and he's enjoyed it, he's told me he loves playing for Ireland and coming across. We're coaxing him along and hopefully he'll play for us. He has a strong connection with Ireland.
And if reports in the English press today are to be believed, England are beginning to make their move in earnest. The Times are reporting this morning that the FA are 'determined to battle Ireland' for Grealish's allegiance. The attacking midfielder said early this year that he was looking forward to getting back in an Ireland jersey by September, but not before then.
However, it seems England are making moves to halt that plan in its tracks. As he has already appeared for Ireland in qualifying, Grealish is unable to join their squad for the U21 European Championships. But that won't stop the FA from making their move.
They have apparently earmarked the u20 Toulon tournament this summer for Grealish's first appearance in an England jersey. However, as the Times say, "for that to happen, the FA would need Grealish’s national association transferred back to them by the Football Association of Ireland."
And that's where it stands at the moment. With Grealish flavour of the month in England as well as in Ireland now, his decision is unlikely to get any easier.
