Sherwood: Grealish 'has to know who he wants to represent'

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has backed the decision by Jack Grealish to turn down an invite to join the Ireland squad.

The 19-year-old has told Martin O'Neill that he is not ready to make a commitment over his international future after declining an invite to be part of the Ireland squad for the upcoming games against England and Scotland.

Sherwood believes that Grealish was right to delay making such an important decision.

However, the Villa boss has insisted that the teenager has not ruled out the possibilty of playing for Ireland in the future and will make his mind up at the end of the season.

Sherwood said: "It's only Jack and his family who can make that decision. If he wants guidance from me, unfortunately I can't give it to him.

"Jack has to know who he wants to represent, but it's not a slight on Ireland, England or anyone. He will make his decision, he is good enough to play international football, but at the moment he is putting that on hold."