Grealish set to stick with Ireland

Just days after resolving his club future, Jack Grealish is on the verge of making another long-term decision that will please Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.

The Aston Villa winger, having requested time and space from O’Neill in August to finalise his delicate contract situation, is poised to disappoint his native England by sticking with Ireland.

The FA were confident of enticing the Birmingham-born flanker from the Irish fold at the third attempt, when U21 boss Gareth Southgate spoke recently of their admiration for the Premier League newcomer.