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Roy Keane hopeful over Jack Grealish but silent on FIFA matters

Jack Grealish playing for the Republic of Ireland U21s
Image: Jack Grealish playing for the Republic of Ireland U21s

Roy Keane hopes Jack Grealish will decide to represent the Republic of Ireland but feels too much pressure is being put on him and other young international players.

Aston Villa midfielder Grealish, who Keane worked with when he was assistant boss under Paul Lambert, has played for the Republic through the lower age levels but remains eligible for a call up by England.

Speculation has been rife about which country he will represent and Republic assistant boss Keane was asked about the subject in a press conference ahead of the clash with Roy Hodgson's side in Dublin on Sunday.

Keane said: "I was lucky enough to work with him at close quarters at Villa, and he's a talented kid.

"But as usual, the media interest - not just the Irish, but in England - they like to build these kids up before they have done too much in the game, and Jack has a lot to do yet.

"But he's got potential, and we'll see over the next few months and years how he progresses. It would be great if it was with us; if not, then we'll just get on with it. It's pretty straightforward.

Aston Villa's Jack Grealish: A young man going places. But will he play for England or the Republic of Ireland?
Image: Jack Grealish: Can play for either England or the Republic of Ireland

"From my experience working with him, Jack is a really good kid, an absolutely good kid, but he has still got a lot to do in the game. He has obviously got a big decision to make, and I think whatever decision he makes will be the right one, and you would wish him well.

"From Jack's point of view, if he came and played for Ireland, I think he would love it. I think he would enjoy the players. He obviously enjoyed it at under-age level.

"People have been too hard on him lately, and if he comes and plays for us, brilliant. But if he goes and plays for England, then you have got to respect the decision. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant. You have got to accept it."

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane during the training session at Gannon Park, Malahide, Ireland.
Image: Roy Keane: No comment on FIFA scandal

But Keane was less forthcoming when the subject turned to FIFA matters, a day after it was confirmed the Football Association of Ireland received five million euros to head off a legal battle over Thierry Henry's role in the nation's World Cup play-off defeat by France in 2009.

He added: "Do you know what? Not today, I'm not in the mood for all that stuff today. If you want to ask me about the games coming up and the players we have, no problem.

"But I'm not going into the FIFA stuff. I'm here to work with the players and focus on the games coming up, so I'm not going there with that one.

"I'm here to work with the players and help the team get ready for Sunday. We have had a few nice days already, it's crunch-time coming up for us, so that's the only focus for me."

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