King tips Villa starlet Grealish for bright future

History has taught Republic of Ireland U21 boss Noel King to be cautious about forecasting big futures for his bright young things.

He did, however, break from his usual conservatism yesterday while announcing an 18-man squad for tomorrow’s Uefa qualifier against Montenegro to pinpoint a special talent in the ranks.

Aston Villa teenager Jack Grealish has excelled on loan at Notts County to such an extent that senior boss Martin O’Neill admitted he considered promoting the tyro for the friendly against Serbia on the same day.