O’Shea: Declare your intent

Ireland stalwart John O’Shea is pleading with English-born players mulling over joining Martin O’Neill’s set-up to decide their international future sooner rather than later.

O’Neill’s attempts to enlist Aston Villa teen Jack Grealish for this Sunday’s opener Euro 2016 qualifier in Georgia hit the buffers last week, while Mark Noble yesterday confirmed he needs a couple more weeks to make up his mind.

Ireland vice-captain O’Shea, set to lead the team out for Wednesday’s friendly against Oman in the injury-enforced absence of Robbie Keane, believes any dithering by prospective recruits proves to be detrimental to the player in the long run.