Grealish omitted from U21 squad to ‘concentrate on Villa’

Republic of Ireland U21 boss Noel King has not included Jack Grealish in his latest squad following a request from the player to be omitted.

Grealish, who remains a target of senior boss Martin O’Neill, is keen to “concentrate on his Aston Villa career” according to King, who yesterday named a 23-man squad for friendlies against the USA and Russia in Marbella this month.

King explained: “I spoke to Jack’s dad. He feels he wants to concentrate on his Aston Villa career. That’s his choice and I accept it so I’ll be focusing on the players we have with us.”